SBY: Opponents Of Democracy And Constitutional Destroyer!

Indonesia's 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY)

The statement was made during the book review event "Standing Firm for Indonesia's Democracy" at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, as quoted from the statement received by the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo in Jakarta, Sunday, March 9.

"When we talk about our democracy, let's protect, fight for democracy, fight against everything that destroys democracy, which destroys the constitution, which damages the state's framework, which damages the existence of checks and balances," said SBY, quoted by ANTARA.

SBY, who served as president for two terms in 2004-2014, said that currently around the world there is a decline in democracy. Big countries that often claim to be champions of democracy or democracy fighters, he said, are also not immune from this phenomenon.

"Large countries that are said to be considered champions of democracy, countries that are electuring us, studying us, in reality, these countries are not immune from setbacks in their democracy," he said.

SBY also shared his personal experience as a TNI soldier who had respected freedom of expression. He emphasized freedom of expression if it is used properly, then it is the right and must be respected.

"When I was very young, we love democracy. If what students say is an expression of the freedom of speech, why are we getting angry?" said SBY.

In this book review event with Indonesian students and Japanese academics, SBY also emphasized his role as a former president in supporting and becoming part of the solution to the government of the leaders after him, including in the government of President Prabowo.

"I have conveyed to President Prabowo a few moments ago, the importance of increasing genuine communication between the Palace and those who delivered criticism, and Pak Prabowo said, 'We continue to improve the quality of communication'," he said.

SBY also expressed optimism that President Prabowo could face the various challenges that exist today because Indonesia still has political resources, resources, and economic resources to overcome this situation.

Wahyu Prasetiawan, one of the book's editors, explained that the title "Standing Firm for Indonesia's Democracy" was chosen because one of the most prominent things in SBY's leadership was how SBY maintained democracy in Indonesia.

"As a president with such a high power, actually Mr. SBY can do the opposite, but that is not done," Wahyu said regarding SBY as the guardian of democracy in Indonesia.