Jakarta, en.SERU.co.id – Jakarta, SERU.co.id – President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated 26 members of the Presidential Advisory Council (Wantimpres) on Friday, 2 October 2026. The composition is filled with a number of figures from various backgrounds, ranging from Quraish Shihab to Rocky Gerung and Ignasius Jonan. With financial rights of around Rp76.5 million per person, the budget for the 26 members reaches Rp1.989 billion per month from the state budget (APBN), not including facilities and the secretariat.
Based on the Presidential Decree, Prabowo appointed Pratikno as Chair concurrently serving as a member. Muhammad Hatta Rajasa was appointed Deputy Chair concurrently serving as a member and Muhammad Qodari as Secretary concurrently serving as a member. Meanwhile, the members of Wantimpres consist of:
- Sinta Nuriyah Wahid
- Muhammad Quraish Shihab
- Agum Gumelar
- Chairul Tanjung
- Said Aqiel Siradj
- Anwar Iskandar
- Yahya Cholil Staquf
- Jusuf Wanandi
- Budi Gunawan
- Bambang Soesatyo
- Salim Segaf Al-Jufri
- Soekarwo
- Dato’ Sri Tahir
- Rocky Gerung
- Ida Bagus Purwalaksana
- Philip Kuncoro Wijaya
- Budi Santoso Tanuwibowo
- Anwar Usman
- Mohamad Hatta
- Jusuf Hamka
- Margarito Kamis
- Jacky Manuputty
- Ignasius Jonan
A number of religious figures included in the composition include MUI Chair Anwar Iskandar, former PBNU Chair Said Aqiel Siradj, and former PBNU Chair Yahya Cholil Staquf. Other names with religious backgrounds are Salim Segaf Al-Jufri, Ida Bagus Purwalaksana, Philip Kuncoro Wijaya, and Budi Santoso Tanuwibowo.
Meanwhile, Quraish Shihab is known as a scholar and Qur’an intellectual. He previously served as Minister of Religious Affairs in 1998 and as Indonesian Ambassador to Egypt. Sinta Nuriyah Wahid is known as a women’s figure active in humanitarian issues, the defense of women, and interfaith dialogue.
From the economic and business world are the names Chairul Tanjung, Dato’ Sri Tahir, and Jusuf Hamka. Agum Gumelar, Budi Gunawan, Bambang Soesatyo, Soekarwo, Hatta Rajasa, and Pratikno have long experience in government and politics.
Rocky Gerung became one of the most striking names because he is known as an academic and observer who frequently delivers criticism of government policies. Meanwhile, Margarito Kamis is known as a constitutional law academic.
Jacky Manuputty and Ignasius Jonan also entered the Wantimpres composition. However, both did not attend the inauguration at the Palace in person.
Said Aqil: Advice Must Be Honest and Objective
After the inauguration, Said Aqil Siradj said he would convey advice to the President honestly, objectively, and constructively. However, his considerations would still be adjusted to the needs and directions of the President.
“There are a number of strategic issues that need attention. Starting from strengthening national unity, religious and national life, education to the economy,” said the former PBNU Chair.
Rocky Gerung: Wantimpres Is Not Merely Criticizing
Rocky Gerung provided a different explanation regarding the position of Wantimpres. According to him, the function of the council is not merely to become a party that criticizes the government. Rather, it is to provide critical considerations to the President.
“This council’s function is actually critical, not criticism, those are different. The results of Wantimpres’ considerations will become input for the President. Meanwhile, the final decision remains in the hands of the President,” said Rocky, as quoted from MetroTV on Saturday, 3 October 2026.
He also said that Wantimpres has an ethical rather than technical position. This means the council plays a role in looking at the impacts or excesses of a policy. Then it provides considerations regarding the direction of policy so that it remains in line with the President’s vision.
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Salaries of 26 Wantimpres Members Reach Nearly Rp2 Billion a Month
The large number of Wantimpres members also carries consequences for the state budget. With financial rights of around Rp76.5 million per person each month, the 26 Wantimpres members require approximately Rp1.989 billion per month.
If calculated over one year, the need for these financial rights reaches around Rp23.868 billion. That figure does not yet include the facilities and secretariat costs attached to their positions.
The Chair and members of Wantimpres receive facilities equivalent to those of ministers based on the provisions of laws and regulations. Financial rights are granted from the time members are inaugurated and/or begin carrying out their duties and end when the person concerned resigns or is dismissed from the position.
Financing for salaries and facilities comes from the APBN through the budget of the ministry that handles state secretariat affairs. Each Wantimpres member is also assisted by one member secretary. With 26 members, there are at least 26 member secretaries supporting the implementation of Wantimpres duties.
Advice and considerations can be given individually or as a single council unit. At the request of the President, Wantimpres members may also attend cabinet meetings, working visits, or state visits.
However, these duties are accompanied by the obligation to maintain the confidentiality of the material conveyed to the President. Wantimpres members are not permitted to provide information, statements, or disseminate the contents of their advice and considerations to other parties. (aan/mzm)
