The Moment President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Chooses Neutral In The 2014 Presidential Election

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono brought together Presidential Candidates Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace in Jakarta on Sunday (20/7/2014). (Abror Rizki / Presidential Secretariat)

JAKARTA - Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's (SBY) attitude in political contestation often invites praise. The President of Indonesia from the 2004-2014 era did not want to violate the constitutional mandate. He put up a body for the implementation of the Luber Jurdil election (direct, general, free, secret, honest, and fair).

This attitude was shown during the 2014 presidential election. SBY did not side with the presidential candidate, Joko Widodo (Jokowi) or Prabowo Subianto. He also ensured that the TNI and Polri were neutral. Even though he had to bear the risk of his party's vote, the Democratic Party plummeted.

Efforts by the head of state to maintain neutrality in political contestation like the presidential election are never easy. Conflict of interest is the main thing. However, that does not mean that matters of upholding neutrality cannot be carried out.

President SBY once proved it. He gave an example that the hope of maintaining the constitutional mandate so that the election will be carried out by Luber Jurdil is very possible. This assessment made SBY immediately separate himself from the interests of the party and personally.

He did not express support for the competing presidential candidate, Jokowi or Prabowo Subianto. Even though his capacity was quite large when he was a campaigner. This footprint is evidenced by the greatness of SBY who has never lost in political contestation. Two terms as Indonesia's number one person is proof.

SBY's neutral move was greeted with a commotion. SBY's decision was appreciated by many parties. SBY is aware that his neutral attitude is able to harm his party, the Democratic Party. This narrative is evidenced by the decline in the votes of the Democratic Party in various surveys.

He did not regret his decision. Because he prefers to stand on behalf of the Indonesian people, not a handful of groups or parties. SBY's decision was appreciated by many parties. At that time, SBY was like a savior to the face of the Indonesian government.

"In 2014, the Democratic Party was having a hard time at that time. We were allowed to be attacked. Our electability has decreased drastically. I remain consistent, neutral. No one needs to help. As a result, the Democratic Party has decreased half of its votes, that's okay. We admit. Since I was sincere. Because at that time I judged, the election took place honestly and fairly."

"That's why I have always been consistent until now to guarantee the honest and fairness of every election and election, including the neutrality of the state apparatus and the government. The goal is that, so that if you are not elected, you lose, you must accept it, because the implementation is honest and fair. On the other hand, if not, I am worried that later the dissatisfaction will be vented in bad ways," continued SBY as quoted by Kompas.com page, June 27, 2018.

When he wanted to change something, change it from his head. The narrative has been done by SBY. he made himself an example of a neutral attitude as a leader of the country in the 2014 presidential election. SBY also wants that attitude to be adopted by all his staff.

The State Civil Apparatus (ASN) was asked by SBY to be neutral. Alias is impartial. SBY also appealed to the same message to the TNI and Polri. SBY revealed that efforts to neutralize neutrality would later become an important lesson so that the TNI and Polri institutions would still be respected by the Indonesian people.

The position of the TNI and Polri is considered quite vital. They have a big role in the presence of the Luber Jurdil election. The two institutions have a tough task to secure the running of the 2014 presidential election. The TNI and Polri are asked not to underestimate the potential for fraud, from money politics to intimidation.

The task is considered by SBY to be so heavy. If there are still TNI or Polri that are not neutral, the issue of security and the course of elections will be disrupted. The rest, SBY asked all Indonesian people to maintain order and democracy by choosing candidates for presidential candidates according to conscience.

"The prediction in 2013 and 2014 is that the year politics invites comments from various circles. Not stopping the President, SBY and Vice President, Boediono reminded the importance of paying attention to this political year. The President, SBY, said that all state servants, including government officials in the election, must be truly neutral and educate, especially the TNI and Polri.."

"Netral, disproportionate, and do not do anything that comes out of the rules of law and ethics. For members of the Cabinet as well as governors, regents and mayors who come from political parties, when they have to carry out political missions in the series of elections in 2014," explained Achmad Fachrudin in the book Jalan Terjal Towards the 2014 Election (2013).