Semarang, April 17, 2025 – Committee IV of the Regional Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) together with the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Diponegoro University (Undip) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Pre-State Budget (APBN TA) 2026 in order to inventory the materials for compiling DPD RI recommendations on the 2026 Government Work Plan (RKP) and DPD RI considerations on the macroeconomic framework and policy points (KEM-PPKF) in the RAPBN TA 2026.
The FGD activity was held in the Main Meeting Room of the FEB Undip Dean Building and was attended by the leadership and members of Committee IV DPD RI; Representatives of the Governor of Central Java and staff; Regional Planning and Development Agency (Bappeda) of Provinces/Regencies/Cities; Undip actors and academics; and related Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD).
Prayer Reading Led by M Bastomi Fahri Zusak, S.EI., M.SEI (Lecturer in Islamic Economics, FEB Undip)
The event began with remarks by Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si. as the Rector of Undip. In his remarks, he conveyed Undip’s commitment in line with the DPD RI regarding contributions to society, with evidence of Undip’s achievements in efforts to overcome problems that occur in Central Java, one of which is poverty. Undip’s contribution is in the form of a seawater desalination program into fresh water in several coastal areas of northern Central Java: Jepara, Demak, Blora, and Pekalongan. In addition, contributions in the field of education are in the form of support for educational facilities at the Jepara Campus and the acceptance of Bidik Misi scholarship students which are consistently carried out by Undip.
The next remarks were by Dr. A.P. Ir. Sujarwanto Dwiatmoko, M.Si. as the Assistant Governor of Central Java for Economics and Development as a representative of the Governor, Commissioner General of Police (Ret.) Drs. Ahmad Lutfi, S.H., S.St.M.K. who was unable to attend. In addition to his remarks, he also explained the strategic role of Central Java Province in the national economy and the concept of “Ngopeni Nglakoni Jateng” from the Central Java Provincial Government for the 2025-2030 Period.
A speech was also delivered by Casytha Arriwi Kathmandu, S.E., M.Fin. as the Team Coordinator and senator from Central Java, Committee IV DPD RI. In his speech, he introduced the senators of Committee IV DPD RI who represented their regions from Aceh to Papua. In addition, he paid special attention to the weakening of the rupiah exchange rate and the increase in the price of gold commodities and reminded again of Indonesia’s macroeconomic situation which is currently facing challenges.
The Chairman of Committee IV DPD RI, namely H. AA Ahmad Nawardi, S.Ag. Senator from East Java also gave a speech. The speech was then ended by the Deputy Chairman of DPD RI Tamsil Linrung Senator from South Sulawesi who also opened the DPD RI FGD event held at FEB Undip. In his speech, he expressed the DPD RI’s commitment to supporting national and regional interests.
Speakers: Head of Central Java Bappeda Harso Susilo, Prof. Nugroho SBM, Prof. FX Sugiyanto, and Moderator M. Egi Destiartono (Lecturer in Economics, FEB Undip)
The discussion activity was filled by Professors of FEB Undip, namely Prof. Dr. Fransiscus Xaverius Sugiyanto, M.S. and Prof. Dr. Drs. Nugroho Sumarjiyanto Benedictus Maria, M.Si., and Head of Central Java Province Bappeda Harso Susilo S.T., M.M. as speakers. The discussion was guided by moderator Mohamad Egi Destiartono, S.E., M.S.E. as a lecturer in the Department of Economics and Development Studies, FEB Undip.
In the first session, Prof. FX Sugiyanto expressed the problems faced by Indonesia and Central Java, namely poverty, economic equality, concerns about efficiency resulting in declining public services, and institutional issues. He also touched on the target of 8% economic growth amidst fiscal pressure. At the end of his presentation, he submitted 3 (three) proposals to the senators, namely: adaptation of asymmetric facts where the central government must be in line with the regional government; strengthening institutions such as Regional Development Banks to support Micro and Small Enterprises; and the Realization of the National One Data Program to reduce the negative impact of asymmetry between the center and the regions.
Prof. Nugroho also presented a review of the macro assumptions of the Indonesian economy in 2026. He criticized several things such as economic growth and the assumption of the rupiah exchange rate which must be arranged more realistically amidst the geopolitical situation, global trade issues, and domestic problems. In addition, he also reminded several fiscal policies that must be re-examined such as the problem of the fiscal deficit due to declining tax revenues, budget efficiency must be consistent and fair, and cutting transfer funds to regions that have an impact on the regional economy.
Group photo: Deputy Chairman of the DPD RI; Chairman and Members of Committee IV DPD RI; Central Java Provincial Government and Bappeda; Undip Chancellor, Dean, Vice Dean, and Professor of FEB Undip; and all FGD participants
The presentation session was ended by Mr. Harso Susilo who explained the problems and strategic issues, as well as the economy and fiscal of the Central Java region. On that occasion, he conveyed three aspects related to growth and fiscal policy, namely economic growth, regional income, and subsidy policy in Central Java Province. He also said that one of the drivers of Central Java’s economic growth is the tourism sector, but there are still challenges in the form of inadequate support for transportation facilities, especially in rural areas towards economic centers.
The FGD activity ended with a question-and-answer session from the leadership and members of Committee IV DPD RI to the resource persons, as well as suggestions and input from Bappeda Demak and Kendal to the senators. It is hoped that the FGD held at FEB Undip can provide data and information from economists and stakeholders in the regions to DPD RI senators as recommendations and considerations for the preparation of the RKP and KEM-PPKF in the 2026 RAPBN.
