PKB Says Jokowi's Apology Ahead of Stepping Down is Reasonable, But President's Accountability Report is a Must

Deputy General Chairman of PKB Jazilul Fawaid giving a statement at the PKB DPP office, Jakarta, Monday (21/7/2024). ANTARA/Rio Feisal.

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of the PKB, Jazilul Fawaid, considered it reasonable for President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to apologize ahead of his term of office which will end in October. However, according to him, the most important thing is Jokowi's accountability report (LPJ) during his time as president of the Republic of Indonesia.

"It is reasonable to apologize and of course the Indonesian people forgive. But as president, there is a report and accountability to the Indonesian people, regarding his promises, regarding the trust he has been entrusted with, regarding the mandate where it has been reached," said Jazilul at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Friday, August 2.

According to the Deputy Chairman of the MPR, the people certainly hope that there will be evidence of the implementation of Jokowi's promises during the campaign as a presidential candidate. Moreover, said Jazilul, the president is the same as other state officials, namely receiving a salary.

"So I am sure that the Indonesian people will forgive my personal apology, but as president, there is a place to apologize and be accountable," said Jazilul.

Jazilul also considered it natural for the president to receive input, suggestions and even criticism from the public. Because the position of president is given by the public through elections.

The legislator from the East Java electoral district also considered that there were many things that Jokowi had to fix at the end of his term. For example, the promise of economic growth that has not been fulfilled, then the promise to uphold democracy.

"There are those who still have not felt the satisfaction of that (democracy, ed), including the promise to move the capital, until today it hasn't been done, right? So there are still many," said Jazilul.

Previously, President Joko Widodo apologized for all the mistakes and errors in carrying out his mandate as President of Indonesia, which was expressed during the Dhikr and National Prayer event in the courtyard of the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

In his remarks, President Jokowi also apologized on behalf of Vice President Ma'ruf Amin to apologize in front of thousands of guests at the opening event that began a series of Independence Month activities ahead of the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.

"Mr. Vice President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow Countrymen, on this auspicious occasion, on the first day of the month of Independence, August, with all sincerity and humility, allow me and Professor K.H. Ma'ruf Amin to apologize profusely for all our mistakes and errors so far, especially while we both carry out our mandate as President of the Republic of Indonesia and as Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia," said President Jokowi as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, August 1.

The President realized that as humans, he and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin could not possibly please all parties.

The Head of State and Vice President said that both of them could not possibly fulfill the expectations of all parties.

"I am not perfect, I am an ordinary human being, perfection belongs only to Allah SWT. Only to Allah, the Kingdom of Heaven and Earth and whatever is in them. He is Almighty over all things," said President Jokowi.