JAKARTA, thekabarnews.com—President Prabowo Subianto swore in 26 members of Indonesia’s Presidential Advisory Council (Wantimpres) at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday, Oct. 2. This brought political figures, religious leaders and former senior officials into the advisory body.

Former coordinating human development and culture minister Pratikno became head and a member of the council. Former coordinating economic minister Hatta Rajasa took office as deputy chair and member, while Muhammad Qodari became secretary and member.

Political commentator Rocky Gerung also joined the council. His appointment attracted public attention because of his record as a vocal critic of successive Indonesian administrations.

The appointments were formalized through Presidential Decree No. 107/P/2026 on the Membership of the Presidential Advisory Council, as stated by the State Secretariat.

Prabowo led the appointees in taking their oath of office.

“I swear that I will remain loyal to the 1945 Constitution and faithfully observe all laws and regulations in dedicating myself to the nation and the state,” the members said in an oath led by the president.

The other appointees are Sinta Nuriyah Wahid, Muhammad Quraish Shihab, retired general Agum Gumelar, Chairul Tanjung, Said Aqil Siradj, Anwar Iskandar, Yahya Cholil Staquf, Yusuf Wanandi and retired police general Budi Gunawan.

The council also includes Bambang Soesatyo, Salim Segaf Aljufri, Soekarwo, Dato’ Sri Tahir, Ida Bagus Purwalaksana, Philip Kuncoro Wijaya, Budi S. Tanuwibowo, former Constitutional Court chief justice Anwar Usman, Muhammad Hatta, Jusuf Hamka, constitutional-law expert Margarito Kamis, Jacky Manuputty and former energy minister Ignasius Jonan.

Wantimpres advises the President on the exercise of executive authority. Its members may submit recommendations individually or collectively, whether the president requests them or not.

The Wantimpres may request information from government agencies and other state institutions. At the president’s request, members may also attend cabinet meetings or accompany official visits.

Members must keep their advice confidential. The law prohibits them from disclosing statements, recommendations or deliberations to outside parties.

Law No. 19/2006 originally limited the council to nine people. Law No. 64/2024 removed that fixed limit. It authorizes the president to determine the council’s membership based on government needs and administrative effectiveness.

Reports have cited Rp17.5 million as the monthly salary and allowances for ordinary members under Presidential Regulation No. 15/2007. In addition, there is an extra Rp1 million for the chair.

However, the Supreme Audit Agency’s legal database currently marks that regulation as no longer in force. The government had not publicly released an updated breakdown of the new council’s remuneration when this report was prepared.