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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.
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. Umar Juoro, M.A., M.A.P.E.
Expert Council Member, The Habibie Center
2. Drs. Ignasius Jonan, M.A.
Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia (2014–2016) and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia (2016–2019), and Reformer of PT Kereta Api Indonesia
3. Dr. H. Tubagus (TB) Ace Hasan Syadzily, M.Si.
Governor of the National Resilience Institute of the Republic of Indonesia (Lemhannas RI)
4. Dr. Lestari Moerdijat, S.S., M.M.
Deputy Speaker, People's Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI)
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.
Moderator of the National Panel: Andini Effendi, Journalist
B. Second Session
Keynote Address:
Meutya Viada Hafid, B.Eng., M.IP.
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 by the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia 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
1. Research Insights - Research Perspectives
- Heroik Mutaqin Pratama
Executive Director, Association for Elections and Democracy (Perludem)
- Nenden Sekar Arum
Executive Director, Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet)
2. Transformative Practices - Field Practices
- 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. Abigail Limuria
Co-Founder, What Is Up, Indonesia (WIUI)
3. Pieter Lydian
Country Director, Meta Indonesia
4. Ravio Patra
Indonesia Country Director, Westminster Foundation for Democracy
5. Firman Noor
Senior Researcher, The Habibie Center
Moderator: Putri Ayuningtyas, Journalist
Agenda
Tuesday, 3 November 2026
09:00 – 09:55 Opening and Welcoming Remarks
Dr.-Ing. Ilham Akbar Habibie, M.B.A. (Chair of the Board of Trustees, The Habibie Center)
Prof. Dr. Dewi Fortuna Anwar, M.A. (Chair of the Board of Directors, The Habibie Center)
Session I
09:55 – 10:55 National Address: “Transformative Leadership and the Future of Democracy”
Dr. (H.C.) Puan Maharani (Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, 2024–2029)
11:00 – 12:15 National Panel
1. Dr. Umar Juoro, M.A., M.A.P.E.
“Habibie's Leadership in the Institutional Transformation of Democracy and the Economy”
2. Drs. Ignasius Jonan, M.A.
“Transformative Leadership: Transforming Institutions, Building Trust”
3. Dr. H. Tubagus (TB) Ace Hasan Syadzily, M.Si.
“Cross-Institutional Strategic Leadership in Addressing Challenges to National Resilience and Governance”
4. Dr. Lestari Moerdijat, S.S., M.M.
“Women's Leadership for an Inclusive Democracy”
Moderator: Andini Effendi
12:15 – 12:30 Closing Address
Jan Senkyr (Director, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung for Indonesia and Timor-Leste)
“Global Knowledge Exchange: Learning from Democratic Experiences Across Countries”
Session II
14:00 – 14:15 Opening Remarks
Mohammad Hasan Ansori, Ph.D. (Executive Director, The Habibie Center)
14:15 – 14:35 Keynote Address
Meutya Viada Hafid, B.Eng., M.IP. (Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia)
14:45 – 15:20 Research Insights and Best Practice
Research Insights:
1. Heroik Mutaqin Pratama
“Strengthening Open Data on Elections and Political Parties and Ensuring Personal Data Protection Ahead of the 2029 Elections”
2. Nenden Sekar Arum
“Digital Rights for Democracy and Civic Space: A Mapping Study of Internet Regulations in Indonesia:”
Best Practice:
1. Andhyta F. Utami
“Leading an Inclusive, Empowering, and Trusted Digital Transformation”
Moderator: Putri Ayuningtyas
15:20 – 16:10 Panel Discussion and Responses
1. Alexander Sabar
2. Abigail Limuria
3. Pieter Lydian
4. Ravio Putra
5. Firman Noor
16:10 – 16:30 Q&A and Conclusions
Moderator
16:40 – 16:45 Closing
Moderator
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