National Speeches and Panels - Habibie Democracy Forum

Details

Transformative leadership is key to the future of Indonesian democracy. Amid the dynamics of economic development, challenges related to social inclusion, gender equality in leadership, and the rapid advancement of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI), leaders are expected to drive institutional transformation to make institutions more responsive and accountable, expand public participation, and build public trust.

An inclusive and sustainable democracy requires leadership capable of linking economic development with democratic consolidation, creating meaningful opportunities for women and underrepresented groups to participate, and ensuring that digital transformation strengthens transparency and participation without overlooking the risks of disinformation, polarization, and the protection of digital rights.

Habibie Democracy Forum 2026 serves as a cross-sectoral dialogue platform that brings together diverse perspectives, leadership experiences, institutional transformation practices, and international lessons. The Forum aims to strengthen transformative leadership in driving institutional transformation, building public trust, and realizing an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Indonesian democracy in the digital era.

 

A. First Session

 

National Address:

Dr. (H.C.) Puan Maharani

Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (2024–2029)

The National Address opens the Habibie Democracy Forum with a strategic reflection on the future direction of leadership and democracy in Indonesia. Drawing on experience in legislative and executive leadership, the address is expected to present ideas on leadership that can lead change, strengthen institutions to make them more responsive and accountable, and rebuild public trust. The address will also serve as a foundation for cross-sectoral discussions throughout HDF 2026.

 

Keynote Address:

Prof. Dr. Yusril Ihza Mahendra, S.H., M.Sc. (tbc)

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections of the Republic of Indonesia (2024–2029)

The keynote address will offer a strategic perspective on the importance of leadership in driving institutional transformation as the foundation of a resilient and trusted democracy. Drawing on the challenges facing Indonesia in the areas of law and institutional governance, the address is expected to present ideas on leadership that can strengthen the rule of law, promote responsive and accountable institutions, and build public trust. It will also serve as a bridge between the reflections on leadership presented in the National Address and the various perspectives and practices of transformative leadership explored in the National Panel.

 

National Panel:

This national panel brings together cross-sectoral perspectives on how transformative leadership can strengthen Indonesian democracy. The discussion highlights experiences and ideas from the fields of economic development, institutional transformation, national resilience, and women's leadership, with the aim of defining a path toward inclusive, resilient, and sustainable leadership.

Panelists:

1. Dr. H. Tubagus (TB) Ace Hasan Syadzily, M.Si.

Governor of the National Resilience Institute of the Republic of Indonesia (Lemhannas RI)

2. Dr. Umar Juoro, M.A., M.A.P.E.

Member of the Board of Experts, The Habibie Center

3. Prof. Dr. Dra. Valina Singka Subekti, M.Si.

Professor of Political Science, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Indonesia

 

National Panel Moderator: Andini Effendi, Journalist

 

Global Knowledge Exchange:

Jan Senkyr

Director of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung for Indonesia and Timor-Leste

This brief closing address for the first session presents a global perspective on cross-country experiences and lessons in fostering democratic leadership, strengthening institutions, and maintaining public trust amid political and technological changes and global challenges. As an institution with extensive experience in strengthening democracy and political education in various countries, KAS will provide a comparative perspective on democratic practices and lessons relevant to Indonesia.

 

B. Second Session

 

Keynote Address:

Dr. Eddy Soeparno, S.H., M.H.

Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia

The second session explores the role of transformative leadership in responding to technological change and its impact on democracy. The keynote address will open the session by highlighting how digital transformation can strengthen participation, digital rights, civic space, and governance that is inclusive and trusted by the public.

 

Ideas and Collaboration Forum

Research Insights - Research Perspectives

1. Heroik Mutaqin Pratama

     Executive Director, Association for Elections and Democracy (Perludem)

2. Nenden Sekar Arum

     Executive Director, Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet)

 

Transformative Practices - Field Practices

1. Andhyta F. Utami

   Think Policy

 

Collaborative Dialogue: Collaboration for an Inclusive and Resilient Democracy

Speakers:

1. Alexander Sabar

     Directorate General of Digital Space Supervision, Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia

2. Harian Kompas (Kompas.id)

3. Wahyudi Djafar

     Catalyst Policy Works (CPW)

4. Ravio Patra

     Indonesia Country Director, Westminster Foundation for Democracy

5. Firman Noor

     Senior Researcher, The Habibie Center

 

Moderator: Putri Ayuningtyas, Journalist