THE GOLDEN INDONESIA BRIDGE

By Legisan Samtafsir
(Chairman of Indonesia Gemilang)

The bridge has finally been realized. The people of Cikembang Hamlet, Cihanjuang Village, Cibaliung District, Pandeglang Regency, Banten, welcomed it with bright faces and joyful hearts. On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the bridge was officially inaugurated. This initiative was initiated and brought to life by the Joint Action Movement—not in the name of a single person like Anies Baswedan, but for a shared vision: to achieve a Golden Indonesia that is just, prosperous, and thriving for all.

A bridge may be a physical structure, but it carries profound meaning. It connects distant places, different people, goods that need to be transported, and more importantly: it connects minds and shared hopes.

The Golden Indonesia Bridge

The vision of a Golden Indonesia requires bridges—not only physical ones connecting remote communities, but also intellectual and social bridges among the political elite, community leaders, civil society, religious scholars, government, legislature, judiciary, the media, and the people themselves.

The Joint Action idea promoted by Anies Baswedan and various societal elements is a clear and noble concept—building bridges, linking sources of strength, and directly addressing the needs of the people.

In practical terms, Indonesians need thousands of bridges in remote areas. When national or regional budgets are delayed, it is unacceptable for those who care to stand idle and let villages remain isolated. These bridges must be built urgently. The people have waited long enough. Thus, the Joint Action movement to build thousands of bridges is a noble cause, worthy of full support.

Golden Indonesia is the collective dream of all its people. Therefore, everyone must feel a part of it and be driven to help realize it together. What is needed is a unifying force among the various centers of power. That unifying force lies in the sincerity, integrity, and moral uprightness of leaders and public figures—especially those holding public office, who must earn and retain the people’s trust.

Transformative Leadership

At the national level, what is urgently needed is Transformative Leadership. This is not merely about holding office, but about a leader’s ability to unite strengths and potentials, and to weave together visions, ideas, and fragmented capabilities. President Prabowo has the potential to be such a bridge—one that unifies and orchestrates all these elements into a powerful force to realize the Golden Indonesia dream.

The key to national Transformative Leadership is a clear vision—genuinely in the people’s interest, not one that distances itself from them. A transformative leader sets aside narrow personal or group interests that conflict with public will. They are not bound by political agendas that harm the people. Based on his speeches, writings, interviews, and political communications so far, President Prabowo appears to be on the right path.

However, national transformation demands genuine commitment and exemplary conduct from all public leaders—from the President, Ministers, Heads of Agencies, Governors, Regents, Mayors, and Village Chiefs, to the CEOs of State-Owned Enterprises. They must all be role models in their loyalty to the public vision and interest.

What is most anticipated from the President and other leaders is the real execution of those commitments. Though strategy remains important, as Jim Collins put it, “first who, then what”—first and foremost, we must ensure that those in public office are the right and righteous people, with high integrity and a strong connection to the Almighty. That’s the who; only then can we determine the what (the strategy).

Closing: The Bridge of Hope

The key to the Golden Indonesia dream is none other than a bridge of hope. Who will build it? Anyone can. The most capable, of course, are the President and public officeholders. But it also includes leaders in society. The spirit of fastabiqul khairat—competing in doing good—must be upheld. Whoever builds bridges for the people’s hopes should be allowed to grow and flourish. No one should obstruct or accuse them of self-interest, so that public needs can be swiftly met.

Bravo to Joint Action!