President Prabowo Subianto Inaugurates 26 Members of the Presidential Advisory Council at the State Palace
President Prabowo Subianto officially inaugurated 26 members of the Presidential Advisory Council, known as Wantimpres, at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday, October 2, 2026. The appointments follow Presidential Decree Number 107/P of 2026 regarding the appointment of council membership. The newly sworn-in council includes prominent national figures from diverse backgrounds, featuring Pratikno as Chairman and Muhammad Hatta Rajasa as Vice Chairman.
Presidential Decree Appoints Diverse Council Members
The newly formed council brings together a diverse array of backgrounds. Alongside Pratikno and Hatta Rajasa, the Presidential Decree appoints Muhammad Qodari as Secretary, while members include Sinta Nuriyah Wahid, Muhammad Quraish Shihab, Agum Gumelar, Chairul Tanjung, Said Aqiel Siradj, Anwar Iskandar, Yahya Cholil Staquf, and Jusuf Wanandi. Additional members sworn into the council include 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, and Ignasius Jonan. President Prabowo led the oath of office, during which the new members swore allegiance to the 1945 Constitution and promised to uphold official ethics. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming, state institution leaders, and several ministers and deputy ministers from the Red and White Cabinet attended the ceremony.
Arrivals and Preparations at the Presidential Palace
Ahead of the official swearing-in ceremony, several high-profile appointees arrived at the presidential complex in formal suits paired with light blue ties. Former State Intelligence Agency Chief Budi Gunawan, businessman Jusuf Hamka, and Tahir joined senior PAN politician Hatta Rajasa at the grounds. Speaking to reporters prior to the event, Jusuf Hamka stated that he received an invitation to the palace early Friday morning at 6:30 AM local time. “I don’t understand either, I was just told to come,” Jusuf Hamka said, adding that he was surprised by the summons but ready to serve the country if called upon.
Bambang Soesatyo Brings Parliamentary Experience to the Council
Golkar Party politician Bambang Soesatyo stands out as the only currently active member of the House of Representatives, or DPR RI, appointed to the new Wantimpres lineup. His appointment draws upon nearly two decades of legislative experience, which includes serving as Chairman of Commission III of the DPR RI for law, human rights, and security from 2016 to 2018, 20th Speaker of the DPR RI from 2018 to 2019, and Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly, or MPR RI, from 2019 to 2024.
Reflecting on his new role, Bambang Soesatyo noted that his background across legislative bodies, state governance, business, and political organizations provides a comprehensive perspective on public policy. He previously received the Bintang Mahaputera Adipradana medal from President Joko Widodo on August 14, 2024, under Presidential Decrees Number 105/TK/TH 2024 and 108/TK/TH 2024, in recognition of his service leading the MPR RI.
Questions About the Presidential Advisory Council
What is the primary function of the newly inaugurated Wantimpres members?
The newly sworn-in members of the Presidential Advisory Council are tasked with providing advice and considerations to the President, drawing on their backgrounds in legislative bodies, government, civil society organizations, business, and politics.
Who administers the oath of office to the Wantimpres members?
President Prabowo Subianto directly led the oath of office during the inauguration ceremony held at the State Palace in Jakarta on October 2, 2026.
Which officials hold the top leadership positions within the council?
Pratikno serves as Chairman alongside member status, Muhammad Hatta Rajasa serves as Vice Chairman alongside member status, and Muhammad Qodari acts as Secretary alongside member status, as detailed in Presidential Decree Number 107/P of 2026.
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