JurnalPost.com - Rocky Gerung has long been known as a figure who frequently launches sharp criticisms against the government. His various views on democracy, public policy, and power have often become subjects of debate. However, Rocky is now within the inner circle of government after being officially inaugurated as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council (Wantimpres) by President Prabowo Subianto on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The inauguration has drawn attention because it brings together two roles previously considered contradictory: a critic of power and a presidential advisor. Rocky, who was previously free to voice criticism from outside the government, now has the responsibility of providing direct counsel to the head of state.
This shift in position naturally raises questions. Can someone known for being critical of the government maintain their independence when becoming part of a state institution? Or will proximity to power influence their perspective when evaluating policies?
These questions do not only concern Rocky Gerung as an individual. More broadly, this issue touches upon the relationship between criticism, power, and the quality of democracy in Indonesia.
In a democracy, criticism is a vital part of government oversight. It allows the public to evaluate policies, question decisions, and demand accountability from those in authority.
Therefore, the entry of a critic into the government should not immediately be viewed as a change in stance. This event could instead be an opportunity to see whether critical thinking can make a tangible contribution to the decision-making process.
When a Critic Enters the Power Circle
For years, Rocky Gerung has been known for his views and arguments that frequently challenge government policies. His straightforward communication style has made him a prominent figure in national political discourse.
However, there is a fundamental difference between being a political observer and a presidential advisor.
An observer has relatively free space to voice criticism to the public. They can express opinions, test policies, and question government decisions openly.
Meanwhile, a member of the Wantimpres works within an institutional framework. The views expressed are not merely personal opinions but are part of the process of providing advice and counsel to the President.
This difference has consequences for how criticism is delivered.
When outside the government, Rocky could convey his ideas through public discussions, academic forums, and various other avenues. After becoming a member of the Wantimpres, some of his thoughts will be conveyed through the institution's internal mechanisms.
Nevertheless, a change in the space for delivery does not automatically mean a loss of independence.
In fact, the presence of someone accustomed to critical thinking can benefit the government. In formulating policy, a President needs input from various perspectives, including views that do not always align with the government's decisions or plans.
Good advisors are not just those capable of providing support, but also those who have the courage to point out the weaknesses of a policy before issues escalate.
This is where Rocky Gerung's position becomes interesting. His reputation as a critic brings the hope that he can bring a way of thinking that is open, argumentative, and willing to question policies.
However, that hope must be proven through performance, not just based on the image already attached to him.
Wantimpres and the Importance of Critical Thinking
Following his inauguration, Rocky Gerung emphasized that the Wantimpres has a function to be critical of government policies.
He distinguished between criticism as a form of expressing objection and a critical attitude as the ability to assess issues in depth.
According to Rocky, the Wantimpres must be able to provide counsel based on a comprehensive understanding of the issues faced by the government.
This view is quite relevant because the formulation of public policy is not a simple process.
Every government decision can have different impacts on society. Economic policy, for example, might provide benefits to certain groups while simultaneously presenting challenges for others.
The same applies to policies in education, social affairs, or the environment, which require consideration from various aspects before implementation.
In such situations, the Wantimpres is expected to help the President view issues more broadly.
The institution can provide assessments of potential risks, long-term impacts, and issues that may not have received attention during the policy formulation process.
The presence of advisors with diverse backgrounds can also help prevent decisions that rely too heavily on a single perspective.
However, the quality of an advisory body is not measured solely by how famous the figures within it are.
What is far more important is the ability of its members to produce objective, relevant, and accountable counsel.
On the other hand, the President retains the authority to make the final decision. Therefore, not all Wantimpres advice must be accepted or translated into policy.
This condition shows that the success of the Wantimpres cannot be judged only by how many suggestions are followed by the President, but also by the quality of the thinking provided during the decision-making process.
Rocky Gerung's Independence Now at Stake
One of the issues that has drawn the most attention regarding Rocky Gerung's appointment is the possibility of his critical stance changing now that he is within the government.
This concern is understandable. In political practice, proximity to power often raises questions about an individual's objectivity in providing assessments.
However, judging that Rocky has certainly lost his independence just because he accepted a position is a conclusion that is too hasty.
Conversely, assuming he will always maintain a critical stance based solely on his past reputation is also not necessarily accurate.
Independence should be judged through actions and consistency in carrying out responsibilities.
For a presidential advisor, independence does not mean always opposing the government. An independent stance is actually reflected in the ability to provide assessments based on facts, arguments, and the public interest.
When a policy is deemed appropriate, an advisor need not hesitate to provide support. However, when there are weaknesses or risks that harm the public, they must also have the courage to voice objections.
The ability to maintain this balance is the challenge for Rocky Gerung.
He is no longer just faced with the demand to criticize, but must also be able to offer counsel that can be used in policy formulation.
The criticism previously delivered through public statements now needs to be translated into more directed and constructive analysis.
In that context, a change in communication style does not always indicate a change in principles.
One can deliver criticism openly when outside the government, then choose a more measured approach when carrying out institutional responsibilities.
As long as the substance of their thinking remains based on honesty and the public interest, a change in the method of delivery does not inherently eliminate a critical stance.
The more important issue is whether Rocky remains brave enough to convey differing views when dealing directly with power.
Power Must Also Be Willing to Listen
The independence of an advisor is not determined solely by an individual's courage to express opinions. The environment in which they work also influences the effectiveness of the advice given.
A government that is open to criticism will provide space for differing views. Conversely, an environment that only expects agreement risks ignoring various important issues.
In the decision-making process, differences of opinion are actually not something to be avoided.
When various views are brought together, a policy has the opportunity to be tested more deeply before implementation.
For example, one advisor might discover the social impact of a policy that has not received enough attention. Another advisor might look at the issue from an economic, legal, or political perspective.
These differences can enrich the President's considerations.
Therefore, Rocky Gerung's presence in the Wantimpres is not only a test for himself but also for the government.
Rocky needs to show that the sharpness of his thinking remains intact. Meanwhile, the government needs to prove that differing input has a place in the decision-making process.
Because a critical advisor will not provide maximum benefit if their thinking is only listened to when it aligns with the desires of the policymakers.
Do Not Judge Only by Reputation
Rocky Gerung's inauguration also shows how the public often judges political figures based on previously formed images.
For some, Rocky may still be viewed as a critic who will bring different ideas into the government. However, others may question whether his position as an advisor will affect his independence.
Both views are part of the dynamics of democracy. Even so, the assessment of a person should not stop at assumptions or prejudices.
The public needs to see how Rocky carries out his responsibilities after officially becoming a member of the Wantimpres.
Is he able to provide deep consideration? Do his views pay attention to the interests of the wider community? Does he maintain his principles when facing issues related to government policy?
These questions are more relevant than merely debating his change in position from a political observer to an official in the presidential advisory body.
Furthermore, the public also needs to understand that the process of providing counsel to the President does not always take place openly.
Some discussions may be conducted through internal mechanisms that are not entirely known to the public.
Therefore, the evaluation of a Wantimpres member's performance needs to be done proportionally by paying attention to available information.
A lack of critical statements in the public sphere cannot immediately be used as evidence that someone has lost their independence. However, this also does not mean the public should stop monitoring the running of the government.
Objective assessment requires time, facts, and real developments.
The popularity of a figure is not always directly proportional to the quality of their contribution. Someone who is often in the public spotlight does not necessarily produce better counsel than those who work without much media attention.
Ultimately, the quality of contribution must be the primary measure.
Democracy Needs Criticism from Various Directions
Rocky Gerung's inauguration can be a reminder that criticism does not always have to come from those outside the government.
In a healthy democracy, policy evaluation needs to take place through various mechanisms.
The press, academics, civil society organizations, and citizens have a role in overseeing the government. At the same time, institutions within the government also need to carry out evaluation functions so that the resulting policies are of higher quality.
Criticism from the public can help the government understand various issues that arise in daily life.
Meanwhile, the counsel provided by an advisory body can help translate those issues into evaluation material in the decision-making process.
These two forms of oversight have different functions but can complement each other.
However, the presence of a critic within the government should not be considered a substitute for public criticism.
The public still has the right to question government decisions, voice objections, and demand accountability for policies deemed not in line with the public interest.
Democracy cannot depend on one person, even if that person is known to have critical thinking skills.
Democracy requires a system that allows differences of opinion to be voiced, considered, and used as material to improve policies.
In the context of political communication, the relationship between the government and the public also requires openness.
Criticism should not always be understood as a form of hostility toward the government. Conversely, criticism delivered with arguments and facts can be important input to improve decisions.
Likewise, the government does not have to agree with all criticism received. However, the government needs to show a willingness to listen, evaluate, and provide explanations responsibly.
The Real Test Has Just Begun
Rocky Gerung's inauguration as a member of the Wantimpres is ultimately not just a story about a critic who became a presidential advisor.
This event brings a larger question regarding how critical thinking is placed within the environment of power.
Rocky's presence could open opportunities for the emergence of more diverse perspectives in the process of providing counsel to the President. However, that opportunity cannot yet be called a success before it is seen through tangible contributions.
Rocky needs to prove that his new responsibilities do not eliminate the sharpness of his analysis and his courage in expressing views.
On the other hand, the government also needs to show that the advisory body is not just a place for influential figures to gather, but a space truly used to test and improve the direction of policy.
The public also has a responsibility to continue monitoring without rushing to conclusions.
There is no need to immediately assume that Rocky's entry into the Wantimpres will make the government better. However, it is also not accurate to conclude that someone has certainly lost their principles just because they now work within
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