From Al-Azhar Mosque, MAI Formulates Indonesia's Strategic Direction Towards Golden Indonesia 2045

The Indonesian Direction Council (MAI) convened a national gathering and its first plenary session at the Grand Mosque of Al-Azhar to chart a strategic course for Indonesia's future, aiming for "Indonesia Emas 2045" (Golden Indonesia 2045). Seven of the nine Presidium members attended, offering insights and strategic recommendations across various sectors including national affairs, geopolitics, economy, education, media, security, and natural resource management.

The forum produced strategic recommendations intended as civil society's contribution to the government and stakeholders, addressing geopolitical shifts and national development challenges. MAI emphasized the need for a strong, independent strategic direction grounded in values, data, expertise, and national interests, while adhering to religious values, the constitution, Pancasila, and the "Indonesia Emas 2045" vision.

In domestic affairs, MAI called for consolidating various Islamic community elements into a cohesive, constructive force to voice the community's conscience and uphold truth. This consolidation should be coupled with strengthening grassroots economic empowerment, enhancing education and digital literacy, and ensuring sustainable cadre development. MAI also stressed the importance of national unity and stability, safeguarding the nation's youth from drugs, online gambling, corruption, and other social maladies.

Internationally, MAI recommended a "Strategic Autonomy 2.0" for Indonesia's foreign policy, advocating for a "Free and Active" approach within a multipolar world. Indonesia should navigate the US-China rivalry without being drawn into it, prioritizing national interests and expanding strategic partnerships with blocs like BRICS, OECD, G20, and ASEAN. MAI also urged Indonesia to play a more significant role in the Global South, pushing for reforms in the UN Security Council, international monetary systems, IMF, World Bank, and WTO to ensure greater fairness and adaptability. Specifically concerning Palestine, MAI supports strengthening Indonesian diplomacy for full Palestinian independence through political, economic, and international legal channels.