Oration With Students, Mahfud MD Reminds West Sumatra To Have An Important Role For Indonesia

Candidate for vice president serial number 3 Mahfud Md at Padang State University (UNP) (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Candidate for vice president number 3 Mahfud Md reminded the important role of West Sumatra (West Sumatra) for the Republic of Indonesia (RI) when filling out scientific speeches at the Padang State University (UNP) Graduation event.

According to Mahfud, West Sumatra is the savior of Indonesia from a power vacuum after the proclamation of independence. Mahfud explained that after the capital city of the Republic moved to Yogyakarta and President Soekarno was arrested, Syafruddin Prawiranegara formed the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PDRI) in Bukittinggi.

"So that there is no vacuum in the government that has the potential to be taken over by the Dutch colonial government. West Sumatra is the savior of the Republic," Mahfud was quoted as saying by ANTARA, Sunday, December 17.

In addition, he said another important role for West Sumatra was that intellectually it had built Islamic integration with Indonesian nationalism. According to him, many nationalist and religious scholars were born in Tanah Minang.

"Buya Hamka, Mohammad Natsir, Bung Hatta, and many other intellectuals who adorn the thoughts and struggles of this nation," said the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam).

Therefore, the presidential candidate pair Ganjar Pranowo invites young people, especially students, to be loyal and always defend the country.

"Wherever you come from, be loyal to the Republic of Indonesia. From West Sumatra, December 19 is the Day of National Defense," he said.

He said that in substance, defending the country is still very relevant considering the threats and challenges of Indonesian geopolitical challenges that exist in the midst of the struggle of big countries.

In addition, he continued, there is a threat of destruction to countries such as radicalism, terrorism, and ideological threats. In fact, plus corrupt practices as well as law and unfair justice are enforced.

"All that is the cause of the state's destruction. (Therefore) grow the attitude of patriotism and continue to enforce law and justice. One of them is the level, at least you work with full honesty in your respective fields," said Mahfud.

The General Election Commission (KPU) of the Republic of Indonesia has appointed three pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates as participants in the 2024 presidential election, namely Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar with serial number 1, Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka number 2, and Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud Md serial number 3.

The campaign period has also been scheduled from November 28, 2023 to February 10, 2024, while the voting schedule is on February 14, 2024.