Needdem Criticizes Jokowi, Presidents Who Campaign Or Take Sides In Elections But Don't Leave Can Be Convicted
JAKARTA - The Association for Elections and Democracy (Perludem) regretted President Joko Widodo's statement saying that the president and minister may campaign and take sides as long as they do not use state facilities.Perludem researcher Usep Hasan Sadikin said state officials who carry out campaigns and are not on leave can be subject to criminal law."The campaign is still within the framework of active positions and it is not on leave, it could be subject to criminal provisions because it violates the neutrality of state officials, neutrality of public officials," said Usep in the Election Guard Meeting Room at Permata Kuningan, South Jakarta Thursday, January 25.Usep regretted that the meaning of state facilities was only defined as budget allocation."The state money is also part of his responsibility to ensure neutrality. Not then inviting his people to choose a particular candidate or certain party. There are those who are not neutral. And it is within the framework of active positions of state officials including the president," said Usep.The chairman of the Association to Guard the Natalia Soebagjo Election was also expressed in the same way. He highlighted the moment when the statement was delivered, where Jokowi was accompanied by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto who is also the number 2 presidential candidate and TNI General and Army Staff at Halim Airport."All in that background, paid by the people's taxes. Airplanes, five-star bordirs in hats, their jacket uniforms, and even the salaries they receive in their positions as officials to the operation of Halim airport are also paid taxes on the people," said Natalia.According to Natalia, this statement should not be made, let alone made in state facilities.
"At the time of the general election, he must be above all groups and set an example for state civil servants and armed state officials to always be neutral because they must serve all citizens without discrimination and not be picky," said Natalia.