Jakarta. Recently, the public has been confronted with policy dynamics that have sparked massive demonstrations, something that could become more anarchic if the government fails to manage them wisely. President Prabowo Subianto and his government officials have responded to the aspirations, including the criticisms thrown by the students and civil society groups. This already marks a positive early signal. However, signals alone are not enough. Indonesia can quickly lose the public and market trust without a follow-up action that is consistent, transparent, and well-measured.

In today’s era of open information and the rapid flow of public opinion on social media, the timing and quality of policy signals are crucial.

For the people, a positive signal means that they are being heard. For the market, this is an early indicator of stability, legal certainty, and economic direction. Every signal must be immediately followed up with concrete steps based on good governance, mature risk management, and adherence to compliance principles that align with national values, the law, and societal dynamics.

Transforming Positive Signals into Proactive Policies Based on GRC
The people do not see a positive signal merely as a statement or clarification. It has become something that proves that the government has eyes to see reality, ears to hear complaints, and a heart to feel the suffering of the people. Many critics argue that state officials often fall into the trap of legal-formal rhetoric: saying that policies are in accordance with the law, but failing to address social sensitivities and the evolving dynamic context.

On the market side, investors and businesses are highly sensitive to signals sent by the government. Statements by high-ranking state officials can influence perceptions of risk, stability, and the direction of economic policy. That's why public communication must be managed carefully, consistently, and based on good governance. Mixed signals or the impression of a defensive government can potentially trigger counterproductive uncertainty.

One weakness in Indonesia’s policy governance is a tendency toward reactivity, often referred to as "firefighting" politics. The government only acts after public pressure mounts, even though solid policies are born from a proactive, anticipatory stance grounded in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC).

Risk-based decision-making -- one that upholds strong risk intelligence in every policy area -- shows that formal legality alone is not enough. Policies must consider social, economic, political, and reputational risks. For example, a tax-related policy may be legally valid, but it will face resistance if it kicks in amidst weak purchasing power or declining public trust.

This is why the government should have a sensitive social radar. They must capture the people’s aspirations before unrest emerges. They should read trends before crises erupt. They must prepare the solutions before the problems escalate. The key is the ability to quickly observe, analyze, reflect, decide, and act. This combination of speed, empathy, and risk intelligence will transform policy from merely reactive to something that is truly proactive.

GRC: Pillars of Consistent Policy Governance
To make sure that these positive signals are not just all talk, the GRC must become the primary foundation of every decision-making process.

Governance: Ensuring transparency, accountability, public participation, and cross-institutional coordination. Formulated policies should not be elitist and closed, but should involve various stakeholders from the get-go.

Risk Management: Assessing risks not only from a financial or technical perspective, but also from a social, political, reputational, and justice standpoint. The government needs to prepare scenario plans for every major policy to avoid being caught off guard by the dynamics.

Compliance: Simply "complying with the law" is not enough. Compliance must also encompass adherence to ethical principles, a sense of justice, and public expectations.

With a strong and consistent adherence to the GRC, the government is not simply "putting out the fire", but it is also building a fire prevention system within national policy governance.

Fulfilling Concrete Aspirations: From the Asset Confiscation Law to Lawmakers’ Performance

Public aspirations are now increasingly narrowing down to some crucial issues that must be immediately considered, analyzed, and thoughtfully reflected upon, and of course, consistently followed up on, at least as follows:

Asset Forfeiture Law: The public is demanding firm regulations to strengthen the fight against corruption. The delay has sparked assumptions that the government is not serious about fighting corruption. If Indonesia can have this law in place, it can send a strong positive signal to both the public and investors.

Lawmakers’ Financial Perks: Increasing the lawmakers’ allowances when Indonesia is facing economic pressures has fueled distrust. Both the government and the House of Representatives need to send a more sensitive signal. They should postpone or review the allowances, and base them on measurable performance.

Performance Assessment System for House and Regional Representatives Council Members: Reviews to this day are only based on parties. It is time for the assessment system to also be constituent-based. This way, the representatives can truly become accountable to the people, not just to their parties.

Accountability of High-Ranking State Officials: The public demands a transparent performance appraisal system for high-ranking state officials, including the high-ranking institutions, based on tangible achievements. This will boost the trust and legitimacy of the institution.

Tax Policy: While taxes are indeed the backbone of the state, their implementation must pay attention to the socio-economic conditions. Taxes are permitted by law, but they are not necessarily fair if they are insensitive to the people’s conditions. A risk-based approach must be the foundation to its policymaking to make sure that the taxes do not spark social resistance.

Ignoring these aspirations is tantamount to letting embers become a fire. Conversely, responding to them with careful analysis, consideration, and concrete implementation will transform aspirations into positive energy for political and economic stability.

Public Communication: Educating with Empathy
It's not just the substance of the policy that the government needs to pay attention to. The style of public communication determines whether the positive signals can convince the public. The government must avoid appearing defensive, especially emotional. For example, emphasizing that a policy is "in accordance with the law" or stating that it is "not a personal preference" can come off as an attempt to avoid criticism.

What is needed is persuasive, empathetic, and educative communication. Realistic aspirations need to be accommodated. Aspirations that require time call for honest explanations. The government must address unrealistic demands wisely. This way, the public feels valued and educated, not ignored.

Maintaining Balance: National Stability and Economic Competitiveness
Ultimately, the government's challenge is to strike a balance between responding to the people's aspirations and maintaining market confidence. Both are equally vital and cannot be at odds. The people need proof of concern, and the market needs certainty.

Positive signals will only be meaningful if followed up with proactive GRC-based policies, empathetic communication, good governance, mature risk management, and adherence to ethical principles and public aspirations. Consistency will make Indonesia known not only as the world’s third-largest democracy, but also as a country with mature, responsive, and future-oriented policy governance.

The government must prove that it not only has eyes, ears, and a heart, but also dares to see, truly listen, and sincerely feel what is worthy of concern. This way, the people will trust, the market will be reassured, and Indonesia will stand stronger against challenges.

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Jerry Marmen is Head of the Governance, Risk, and Compliance Certification Body, a lecturer at UPN Veteran Jakarta’s Faculty of Economics and Business, and President Commissioner of KB Bank.

The views expressed are solely those of the author.