Hasto PDIP Calls Many Regional Heads Reconsider Participating In Pilkada As A Result Of Jokowi

Hasto Kristiyanto (ANTARA/Narda Margaretha Sinambela)

The Secretary General of the PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) Hasto Kristiyanto revealed that currently many regional heads are thinking about returning to the regional elections in November to date.

Hasto said this was due to the abuse of President Joko Widodo's authority to win certain presidential and vice presidential candidates that occurred during the 2024 General Election.

"So many good regional heads are rethinking. Some even don't want to run for regional head because they know that President Jokowi's abuse of power has created expensive political prices to deploy village heads as political instruments," said Hasto in a discussion broadcast online, Sunday, April 7.

The regional heads, according to Hasto, felt the need to prepare very large capital to be able to run again as candidates for regional heads despite their incumbent status. This is based on competition colored by money politics.

"So, many regional head candidates, deputy regional heads who will fight in November 2024 are now looking for ways to find out how much funds (needed)," said Hasto.

Hasto considers the current election to be reduced to legality for President Jokowi's extension of power through nepotism.

"This is very dangerous. The evidence emerged yesterday that Mas Bobby ( Jokowi's son) wanted to be a candidate for governor, Mrs. Iriana's secretary wanted to become Mayor of Bogor," said Hasto.

Not to mention, the attitude of the state apparatus, it is considered that many of Hasto are no longer neutral. A number of village heads called Hasto were visited by the authorities to exert support to win Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka in the 2024 presidential election.

"So much intimidation. It is open and impossible without the highest order. If this is allowed, there will be a crisis because of the work of the jungle law," he explained.