Government Science academic at the Darul Ulum Banyuanyar Institute , Achmad Baidowi, believes that President Prabowo Subianto's openness to public criticism and input can strengthen the quality of democracy while supporting fact- and data-based policy-making.
According to Baidowi, the President's stated readiness to accept criticism and carefully examine various inputs demonstrates his commitment to listening to the people's aspirations and responding to the dynamics developing on the ground.
"President Prabowo Subianto's readiness to accept criticism and carefully examine it is commendable. This will certainly have a positive impact on the democratic climate that we continue to maintain," Baidowi said in a statement.
He believes that this commitment reflects the character of a leader born from a democratic process and who is concerned with the various problems faced by society.
According to him, the readiness to examine various inputs also shows the importance of using data and facts in the government's decision-making process.
"The willingness to carefully examine evidence demonstrates that President Prabowo is a leader who cares about facts and data. This means that the willingness to examine evidence demonstrates an attitude of observing and analyzing data to avoid making mistakes in decision-making," said the Head of the Organizational Division of the IPDN Government Science Doctoral Alumni Association (IKADIP).
Baidowi cited criticism of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program's governance as an example of public concerns that have received government attention. He assessed that the government's evaluation demonstrated a response to public input regarding the program's implementation.
"One of the public aspirations that was followed up was criticism of the governance of the MBG program, where the President did not turn a blind eye to the poor governance at the National Nutrition Agency (BGN)," he said.
In addition, he also highlighted the law enforcement process against a number of parties that was carried out without government intervention
According to him, this is an indicator of a commitment to maintaining the independence of the legal process while also responding to public demands regarding the eradication of corruption and strengthening of governance.
"Similarly, the legal proceedings against a number of cabinet members have not involved any intervention, demonstrating the President's commitment and concern for public demands in the law enforcement sector," Baidowi said.
