Novianti Setuningsih, Jakarta – Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) General Chairperson Megawati Sukarnoputri and National Democrat Party (Nasdem) General Chairperson Surya Paloh have expressed concerns ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Last weekend, the two spoke out publically about their anxieties. In his speech at the 12th Anniversary of the Nasdem Party at the NasDem Tower in the Menteng suburb of Jakarta on Saturday November 11, Paloh said that there are indications that the state apparatus is only working for certain groups.
"In recent days we have seen efforts to bring the country and its apparatus under the service of personal and group interests", said Paloh.
He believes there have been certain measures taken to bring the state apparatus into practical politics. This situation has resulting in the public losing its trust in the government.
Moreover, Paloh considers Indonesia's current situation to be the most worrying in its history.
"Today it will be very easy for us to meet people who feel it is enough to govern themselves, currently we are on the brink of destruction which is the most worrying throughout the life of the nation and state. We hope that all the national leaders and the people will not lose control", said Paloh.
Megawati addresses court ruling
Meanwhile in a video release on Sunday November 12, Megawati conveyed her anxieties over the Constitutional Court's ruling on the age limit for presidential and vice presidential candidates.
He believes that the court's ruling shows that there has been legal manipulation as a consequence of power that ignores politics based on conscience and truth.
"Don't let the election fraud that has been seen recently begun to happen again", said Megawati.
Megawati then asked the public to monitor the electoral process and not be afraid of speaking out if they find indications of fraud in the upcoming elections.
For her, the people have the power to make changes and maintain the integrity of the nation. "Don't forget, we are a warrior nation. We are a nation that has been able to overcome various historical trials", said Megawati.
Not only that, Megawati once again touched on the spirit behind the formation of the Constitutional Court as a judicial institution born under the era of reformasi – the political reform process that began in 1998.
According to Megawati however, at this time the face of the Constitutional Court has been tarnished because of the decision on the age limit for presidential and vice presidential candidates which was marked by ethical violations by the constitutional judges.
She believes that the court's ruling on the age limit, which provided a way for President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's eldest son and Solo Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka to become Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto's vice presidential running mate, was a case of legal manipulation.
"Legal manipulation, it cannot be allowed to happen again", said Megawati.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Kekhawatiran Megawati dan Surya Paloh Jelang Pemilu 2024".]
