Marak Rejects Pilkada Bill, Hasan Nasbi: Government Will Obey Applicable Rules

Student demonstrations processed the Pilkada Bill near the DPR MPR RI building, Thursday 22 August 2024. (Nailin VOI)

JAKARTA - Head of the Presidential Communication Office, Hasan Nasbi, emphasized that the government will stick to the applicable rules in responding to the revision of the Regional Head Election Law (RUU Pilkada) and responding to the widespread demonstrations related to this issue. The statement was made following the DPR's decision not to ratify the Pilkada Bill until the specified time limit.

"The government is in the same position as before, namely following the applicable rules. So, as long as there are no new rules, the government will carry out the current rules," Hasan said at the Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (22/8).

Regarding the demonstration in the DPR, Hasan emphasized that the government really appreciates freedom of opinion and demonstration as part of the democratic rights of citizens. "The message we have to convey is that we guarantee freedom of expression. Democracy in our country is very open. We hope that democracy can be carried out in good ways, by thinking about the public interest," he said.

However, Hasan reminded all parties to avoid disinformation, slander, and hatred that could trigger violence or chaos. "We must maintain conduciveness and calm so that people can live in peace, and the wheels of the economy will not be disturbed," he added.

Regarding the discussion of the Pilkada Bill in the DPR, Hasan firmly emphasized that the government does not interfere in the internal affairs of the DPR. "In the DPR there is its own rules and regulations. The DPR certainly has its own considerations when it does not ratify the Pilkada Bill. Whatever the considerations, we respect. What is clear is whether or not there is a new law, the government will continue to follow the applicable rules," he concluded.