Chairman Of PP Muhammadiyah: Elections Must Strengthen Indonesian Values, Don't Just Look For Wins

Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Executive Haedar Nashir stated that the presidential and legislative election contestation must strengthen Indonesian values, not the other way around.

"The contestation of presidential and legislative elections is expected to continue to strengthen the basic values of Indonesianism," Haedar Nashir said in his statement quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, December 28.

Haedar reminded about the persistence of the nation's founders in building the basic values of Indonesianness. According to him, the founders of the state are very serious about preparing Indonesia as a dignified nation.

He reminded the elites and contestants who ran in the Presidential Election (Pilpres) and the Legislative Election (Pileg) to remember the history of Indonesia's establishment. Thus, he said, it is hoped that the political dynamics that occur in the future towards this election will really maintain the dignity of the nation.

Haedar admitted that he really did not want to watch the upcoming election be pragmatic and opportunistic. "That's an election that is just looking to win," he said.

According to Haedar, it is important to pay attention to what is done after winning or being elected later.

"It is impossible for us to hand over the fate of more than 200 million people to the elite who just won," he said.

According to Haedar, in the election there must be a winner. However, he said, whoever wins does have the ability of statesmanship.

On the other hand, Haedar requested that election organizers, especially the KPU and Bawaslu, be able to maintain a dignified election spirit. He did not want the upcoming election to be marked by dominant fraud.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu'ti reminded about the importance of substantial values in democracy.

"Don't let our democracy become a zombie democracy. Democracy is running without spirit," said Mu'ti.