Golkar And PDIP Differing Opinions On The 2024 Election Schedule
JAKARTA - The Golkar Party supports the government's statement through the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam), Mahfud MD, who proposed that the 2024 General Election be held on May 15. Golkar agreed that the 2024 Pilleg and Presidential Elections would be held on that date.
Deputy General Chairperson of the Golkar Party, Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tanjung, said that this had also been agreed in the plenary meeting of the Golkar Party's DPP last night.
"Last night, I conveyed that the plenary meeting, the general chairman agreed and all meetings agreed (the presidential election) on May 15," said Doli at the DPR Building, Tuesday, September 28. The chairman of Commission II of the DPR revealed that the government had previously submitted the proposal through the Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian. At that time, he said, the government proposed option 3, April, 24 April, 8 May and 15 May. "So the decision on May 15, in my opinion, has been studied very carefully from various aspects, one of which is efficiency and effectiveness," he said. Doli admitted that there was no problem if the campaign period had to be shortened. Because according to him, all parties have had previous campaign experience, namely in the 2020 regional elections, which was 90 days to 71 days. not post-pandemic. So, it is our habit for the community to keep the health procedures going. Therefore, we also avoid mass crowds," said Doli.
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam), Mahfud MD, said the government proposed holding the 2024 General Election on May 15. He said this was based on the results of an internal meeting attended by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), Vice President Ma'aruf Amin, and a number of related ministries on Monday, September 27. "The government's choice is May 15," said Mahfud.
In contrast to Golkar, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) actually admitted that it objected to the government's proposal submitted by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud.
The chairman of the PDIP faction (Kapoksi) at the House of Representatives Commission II, Arif Wibowo, asked the government to carefully consider and review it comprehensively regarding the proposal at that time.
"PDIP objected to the May 15 vote because it asked for a reconsideration," said Arif at the DPR Building, Tuesday, September 28. The reason, continued Arif, there are several problems if the 2024 elections are held on May 15. One of the most crucial is to coincide with the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan.
"We are going through the month of Ramadan and Eid, especially the month of Ramadan, which is a month that we respect. Originally there were no political activities," explained Arif.
According to him, it is very unethical if the election is forced to be held on May 15, 2024 because it will cause national problems. Because, there will be a campaign when Muslims are fasting.
"We can withdraw it, if it is May 15, it means three months back then he will pass April, March and February. Ramadan falls on March, Idul Fitri in April, where the month of Ramadan will be a campaign," said Arif. Therefore, Arif believes that the government must be wise in considering carefully that in the month of Ramadan there should be no need for political campaigns by parties. Including the presidential and vice presidential campaign teams.
"Once again, we ask the government to jointly research, examine the right one so that when we have a meeting between the DPR, the government and the organizers can determine the exact date, day and right for voting," he concluded.