Questioning The PCR Volunteers Who Declared Luhut-Erick In The 2024 Presidential Election, Observer: Seriously Support Or Want To Insult The PCR Business?

Photo: BPMI Setpres/Muchlis Jr.

JAKARTA - Volunteers for Supporting the Love of the Republic (PCR) have declared their support for Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir as running mates in the 2024 presidential election.

Political communication observer at Esa Unggul University, M. Jamiluddin Ritonga, said that the support for Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Erick Thohir was certainly surprising because both of them had very low electability. "From the electability point of view, this pair is not worthy of being nominated in the 2024 presidential election," said Jamiluddin in Jakarta, Wednesday, November 10.

"So, it's really surprising that there are children from the nation who are willing to volunteer for the couple. Because, let alone to win, the chances of being promoted by political parties are very small," he continued.

Jamiluddin considered that the motivation of the volunteers to carry Luhut and Erick Thohir was questionable.

"Are the PCR volunteers serious about carrying out or just to insinuate the couple regarding the alleged PCR business case," he said.

Regardless of the volunteer's motivation, according to Jamiluddin, the use of the name PCR does have a selling point. Because, he said, the choice of an actual name will indeed be easier to attract attention and be remembered by the public.

"However, because the name PCR is popular in a negative connotation, it is feared that the efforts of volunteers to carry LBP and ET will be negatively perceived by the public. Every PCR volunteer comes to the fore, negative perceptions arise in the minds of the community towards LBP and ET," he explained.

In fact, added Jamiluddin, if it continues to appear then it is possible confirmation will occur. This will certainly harm Luhut and Erick and the true meaning of PCR itself.

"So, the volunteers should evaluate the use of the name PCR. Do not let the use of that name backfire for the candidates," said Jamiluddin. Previously, the National Coordinator (Kornas) of PCR, Fuadul Aufa, revealed the reason for his party to pair the two economic ministers in the Indonesia Maju cabinet. The main thing is the government's success in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic until it is under control at this time.

"This success cannot be separated from the role of Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan as Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment and also as Coordinator for Handling PPKM for the Java-Bali Region," said Fuadul to reporters, Wednesday, October 10.

Meanwhile, according to Fuadul, Erick Tohir is considered successful in carrying out his duties well as Minister of SOEs. Erick, he said, also played an important role in handling the pandemic as the Chief Executive of the COVID-19 Handling and Economic Recovery Committee (KPCPEN).