Fahri Hamzah Received an Award from the Government

Fahri Hamzah (Foto: Twitter @Fahrihamzah)

JAKARTA - Gelora Party politician, Fahri Hamzah, spoke about the news that he would receive an award or an honorary star from the government. According to him, he already found out about it several months ago.

The award will be given by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Indonesia's 75th Independence Day. A number of figures including two of his critics, Fahri Hamzah and Fadli Zon, also accepted the star. 

"The real notification was delivered by the DPR several months ago," Fahri said in his statement to reporters, Monday, August 10.

Fahri said, participating in his election to receive a star is believed to have gone through the applicable mechanism according to the institutional process. The star is often given by the president on Indonesia's Independence Day for those who are considered to have services to the country.

"From the perspective of the notification from the DPR to us, it was proposed because it completes the period of leading the state institution, namely the DPR RI," he said.

"I have been a member of the DPR for 15 years. For several years, I was also a member of the MPR. In the transition period from President Habibie to President Abdurachman Wahid," he added.

Previously, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam), Mahfud MD, said that President Joko Widodo will give the highest civilian award to politicians Fahri Hamzah and Fadli Zon.

"In the framework of the 75th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Indonesia, the President will give awards to several figures in various fields. Fahri Hamzah and Fadli Zon will receive Bintang Mahaputra Nararya," Mahfud said via his Twitter account @mohmahfudmd, Monday, August 10.

Every year, the president will give a sign of honor to a number of figures from various backgrounds. This honor is given to people who have made outstanding contributions in various fields. Beneficial to the progress, welfare, and prosperity of the nation and state.

As for Law Number 20 of 2009 concerning Titles, Service Signs, and Signs of Honor Article 17 states, there are a number of requirements for the recipient of titles, services and honors. Namely, Indonesian citizens or someone who is struggling in an area which is now the territory of the Republic of Indonesia;  have moral integrity and exemplary; be of service to the nation and state, and of good behavior.

In addition, the recipient must be loyal and not betray the nation and state; and have never been sentenced to imprisonment based on a court decision that has permanent legal force for committing a criminal act which is punishable by imprisonment of at least 5 years.