Jokowi Has Denied, PKS President Affirms Rejecting President 3 Periods Similar To The New Order Regime

PKS President Ahmad Syaikhu (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - President of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) Ahmad Syaikhu rejects the discourse of a three-term presidential term. According to him, this issue is not in accordance with the nature of democracy because it violates the mandate of the constitution and reform.

"Two periods are enough for the President. This is the mandate of reform and the Constitution that we must safeguard. The discourse of a three-term Presidential position is not in accordance with the nature of democracy," said Syaikhu at the PKS National Working Meeting Summit, at the Bidakara Hotel, Jakarta, Thursday, March 18.

In fact, he said, agreeing to the presidential discourse for the 3 terms tantamount to bringing Indonesia into decline. "Our democracy will be increasingly unhealthy and will fall backward," he said.

Syaikhu then mentioned several reasons for rejecting the discourse of changing the three-term presidential term.

First, the limitation of the two-term presidential office in order to avoid prolonged abuse of power, corruption, collusion and nepotism.

"Like during the New Order and Old Order that could harm the Indonesian people," said Syaikhu.

Second, limiting the position of the President of the Republic of Indonesia to two terms to ensure that the regeneration of the national leadership runs in a healthy manner. According to him, the people should be given the choice of a new presidential candidate who will lead Indonesia.

"PKS believes that many national leaders and figures have good credibility, capacity and acceptability to lead Indonesia in the future," said Syaikhu.

Third, the rejection of the three-term president is for the sake of the maturity of Indonesian democracy.

"Democracy is supported by a system of values, culture and collective leadership, not solely on figure. This will make our democracy move up to become a substantial democracy," said Syaikhu.

Jokowi denies wanting to be President for 3 terms

Previously, President Joko Widodo reiterated that he had no intention of becoming president for three terms. This statement was conveyed by Jokowi in response to the issue of the plan to amend the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia to increase the term of office of the president.

"What else should I say? Back and forth, my attitude has not changed. I emphasize that I have no intention. I have no intention of becoming president for three terms. The constitution mandates two terms. That is what we must protect together," said Jokowi. at the State Palace, Central Jakarta, Monday, March 15.

Jokowi said that in the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic all parties were asked not to increase the noise by rolling out the issue of Jokowi wanting to add to his term of office as RI 1.

"Don't make any new noise. We are currently focusing on handling the pandemic," said Jokowi.

Spokesperson for President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), Fadjroel Rachman also said that President Jokowi has still adhered to the rules that state that the presidential term is limited to only two terms.

He said the President would also fully implement the term of office until 2024 and uphold Article 7 of the 1945 Constitution which reads: The President and Vice President hold office for five years, and after that they can be re-elected to the same position, only for one term.