August 13, 2026 | 01:40 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Parliamentary Complex is gearing up to host the annual joint session of the House of Representatives (DPR), the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), and the Regional Representative Council on Friday, August 14, 2026. Serving as host, the Regional Representative Council (DPD) Secretariat General has conducted two dress rehearsals to inspect venue preparations and test the sound system for the upcoming event.
The DPD Secretariat General has opted to drop national and regional songs with fast tempos and upbeat rhythms from the official lineup during the session. "We chose to play those songs outside rather than during the main procession, so when we welcome participants, guests, and the president's departure, it won't all be packed into one sequence," said Mahyu Darma, Head of the Protocol, Public Relations, and Media Bureau at the DPD Secretariat General, on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
Mahyu explained that the adjustment was made directly from a review of the 2025 annual session. During last year's assembly, lawmakers from the DPD, the DPR, and the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) were seen dancing inside the chamber as regional music played. Their conduct drew backlash for appearing insensitive to the economic hardships facing the public.
Following that evaluation, Mahyu emphasized that playing tracks that encourage dancing among lawmakers should be avoided. "We have evaluated it, and we will likely not do it (play those songs)," he said. "We recognize this and are continuously evaluating it, because ultimately, this is all the work of institutions for the people."
Separately, House Speaker Puan Maharani defended the dancing at last year’s session as a spontaneous expression of joy to mark Indonesia’s Independence Day. The PDI-P politician maintained that lawmakers remained respectful throughout the proceedings and listened attentively as President Prabowo Subianto delivered his speech introducing the 2026 Draft State Budget (RAPBN).
She assured that lawmakers would observe tomorrow’s annual session with solemnity. "Inshaallah (God willing), on the day of the event, we will be more introspective, solemn, and composed so we can focus fully on this state event," Puan said on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
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