The Elite Behind The Scenes Of The President's Discourse For 3 Periods And The Double Meaning Of Jokowi's Statement 'We Must Obey The Constitution'

Illustration-(Photo: DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The discourse of extending the term of office of the president or president for 3 terms is getting louder. Starting from the proposals of the general chairman of political parties, ministers, to the public.

Most recently, support for 3 periods was inflamed again by village heads. In fact, the survey also included Jokowi's name as a presidential candidate even though he could no longer run in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

The increasingly widespread support from the president for 3 periods, makes observers of political communication at Esa Unggul University, M. Jamiluddin Ritonga, suspect that the discourse is the result of elite mobilization. According to him, various elements of society were created to voice the president for three terms.

Jamiluddin assessed that such statements of determination would continue to be echoed to pressure the MPR to amend the 1945 Constitution. This determination was designed as if it was purely the will of the people.

"The elite behind the scenes will use the voice of determination as a basis for urging the MPR to amend the constitution. The MPR will be conditioned to be powerless so that there is no longer any basis for the MPR to reject the amendment," Jamiluddin said in his statement to VOI, Friday, April 1 .

According to Jamiluddin, this pattern has been designed for a long time. And this year will be maximized until the goal of the amendment to the 1945 Constitution can be realized.

"Because, if this year is not successful, then the chances of constitutional amendments will be difficult to realize. That means, the three-term president will fail," he said.

Jamiluddin then highlighted President Jokowi's seemingly fluctuating response. Previously balked, now only states 'we must obey the constitution'.

According to Jamiluddin, the invitation to obey the constitution has a double meaning. Obeying the constitution can be interpreted as currently in effect.

"If this is the interpretation, then it is closed for the president for 3 terms. However, obeying the constitution can also be interpreted following the amendments. If this is the interpretation, then the implementation of the president for three terms also obeys the constitution," he explained.

Therefore, Jamiluddin saw, Jokowi's statement gave space to the elite to continue to urge the MPR to amend the constitution. The elites behind the scenes, he said, would more intensely mobilize the public to urge the MPR to amend the 1945 Constitution.

Jamiluddin emphasized that the efforts of the elites must be resisted by all pro-democracy children of the nation. The nation's children must close ranks against postponing elections or a three-term presidential election.

"They deserve to be fought because they are traitors to reform. They do not deserve to be given power any longer because it will justify all means. The country is in danger if they continue to rule," he said.