Ratna Sarumpaet Challenges Slank Band to Criticize the Jokowi Government in Today's History, March 16, 2016

Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is familiar with Slank personnel. (ANTARA)

History today, 10 years ago, March 16, 2016, Activist, Ratna Sarumpaet criticized the Slank band against the Joko Widodo (Jokowi) government. Ratna saw Kaka, Bimbim, Abde, Ridho, and Ivan just blindly support Jokowi and do not care about his policies that harm the people.

Previously, Slank was one of the public figures who supported Jokowi as President of Indonesia. Jokowi is considered by Slank to be able to bring change to Indonesia. This condition makes Slank actively campaigning for Jokowi to win.

Jokowi's success as Mayor of Solo in the 2005-2012 era was famous everywhere. This condition made Jokowi's image and popularity increase. He is considered a simple figure who is brave. Jokowi is also seen as unique with his blusukan style that goes in and out of the village.

The uniqueness of Jokowi's popularity was then tested when Jokowi participated in the 2012 DKI Jakarta gubernatorial election. Jokowi paired up with Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok). The two then managed to rise to become Governor and Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta.

Jokowi's leadership in Jakarta also received a positive response. Jokowi was able to act as a leader who improved the living conditions of Jakarta residents. Bureaucracy was streamlined. Communication with the people was made easier. Parks and flats were multiplied.

Ratna Sarumpaet after undergoing an examination at the Polda Metro Jaya for the case of spreading lies, Friday (05/10/2018)

Jokowi's style of visiting the field is not spared praise. In fact, not a few regional heads who follow Jokowi's footsteps. Blusukan is considered by many as an important lesson in spending on residents' problems. The narrative is further strengthening Jokowi's popularity.

Later, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) carried Jokowi as a presidential candidate in the 2014 presidential election. This condition made support for Jokowi flow from many public figures. Slank, one of them.

The famous Indonesian band considers Jokowi to be the right figure to lead Indonesia in the future. Jokowi is believed to be a figure who can produce pro-people policies.

"I have long been sreg and consider Jokowi a good person. From my observation, he (Jokowi) has experience that is very close to the people and his policies are always on behalf of the people. I support him morally, not because Jokowi is an old friend of Slank."

"As a citizen, I can hope for him (Jokowi). The important thing is that we all pray and try to get a national leader who can make Indonesia better. God willing, Jokowi can do this task," said Kaka as quoted by the lamantempo.co, June 4, 2014.

The support made Slank actively campaigning for Jokowi in the 2014 presidential election. Slank's support also made Jokowi President of Indonesia. This position did not make Slank's support stop to Jokowi's government.

Slank continues to support all of Jokowi's policies. Slank even looked like a government spokesperson. This condition actually brought criticism to Slank himself. Activist Ratna Sarumpaet was actually disturbed by Slank's style of blindly supporting the Jokowi government on March 16, 2016.

Ratna considers Jokowi's journey as President of Indonesia not smooth. Many of Jokowi's policies are not pro-people. Take the example of raising fuel prices. The policy is considered to hurt the hearts of all Indonesian people.

Strangely, Ratna saw Slank was silent when his master failed to improve the people's living conditions. Ratna also challenged Slank to dare to criticize his master. Not even silent when the government made mistakes.

"I'm sad if this government fails, but there are still artists hanging out there. I'm confused. Slank don't follow the neoliberals. "I'm not always at odds with the government. However, I need an answer from Slank. When the Jokowi government makes mistakes, why don't they criticize?" said Ratna as quoted by the lamankompas.com, March 16, 2016.