Surya Paloh: Criticism From Higher Education Should Not Be Ignored

JAKARTA - The chairman of the Nasdem Party, Surya Paloh, said that criticism issued by a number of universities regarding state conditions should not be ignored and must be the government's attention.

Surya explained the concerns expressed by academics, professors from various universities, should be seen as a warning or alarm of danger, in order to save the country from individuals who want to erode democracy.

"One thing is for sure, I think, everyone should not doubt and take lightly. And all critical thinking, especially those from scientists, professors, because everything there is upheld by ethics and morality," Surya said quoting Antara.

He hopes that the authorities will not ignore the aspirations of the intellectuals that are developing today, because this is not a threat but a form of concern.

The senior politician appealed to state officials to often listen to opinions from intellectuals.

He also hopes that the government accepts input, aspirations, and concerns from academics and professors, because their voices are purely to save the nation and state.

Meanwhile, statements of criticism regarding the condition of the state and the implementation of elections have continued to be carried out by a number of universities in Indonesia in recent times.

A number of campuses such as Gadjah Mada University (UGM), the Islamic University of Indonesia (UII), and the Indonesian Christian University (UKI) have submitted statements and criticisms to election organizers and also President Jokowi, to be neutral during the 2024 General Election.

The General Election Commission (KPU) of the Republic of Indonesia on Monday, November 13, 2023, appointed three pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates to participate in the 2024 Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections (Pilpres).

The results of the draw and determination of the number of participants for the 2024 presidential election on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, the pair Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar number 1, Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka number 2, and Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud Md. serial number 3.

The KPU has also set a campaign period from November 28, 2023 to February 10, 2024, then the voting schedule will be on February 14, 2024.