Minister Of Home Affairs Regarding The Death Of Benny Laos: Don't Be Provoked By The Issue Of Breaking People's Behest

Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian while mourning at Sentosa Funeral Home, Army Central Hospital (RSPAD) Gatot Subroto, Jakarta, Monday (14/10/2024). (ANTARA/HO-Puspen Ministry of Home Affairs)

JAKARTA - Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Tito Karnavian asked residents of North Maluku Province (Malut) to remain united in overseeing the implementation of the 2024 simultaneous regional elections after the death of candidate for governor (cagub) Benny Laos.

His party has coordinated with the police up to Densus 88 to conduct an investigation into the speedboat accident that occurred to Benny Laos and his entourage during the campaign.

"This is a disaster, we don't know the cause yet. So don't get provoked by issues that can divide society that cause conflict, especially violent conflicts should not occur," Tito said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, October 14.

In addition, he also remembers Benny Laos as a good figure and easy to get along with. When he was still the Regent of Morotai Island, North Maluku, Benny Laos had a strong vision in changing the condition of society to be more prosperous.

During Tito's two visits to Morotai, Benny Laos worked on the vision. According to him, there have been many changes made, including infrastructure development and assistance that make people's lives easier.

"He has the desire to change Morotai, so that the people are better, and it turns out that he is, and after he wins, I follow. Indeed (it) is what he is doing. I went to Morotai for the second time, there were many changes, including the mosque that was rehabilitated by the person concerned, the road. Then at the time of COVID-19, he helped the community a lot," he said.

Benny Laos once told Tito that he did not 'eat' the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD). As an entrepreneur, Benny Laos feels that materially it has been completed with the needs of himself and his family.

Tito expressed Benny Laos' dream of just not wanting to see the people of North Maluku live in poverty. He wants to make the place that has raised him more prosperous.

"Benny Laos said) 'I want to make changes to a rich area, then but there are still many poor people, I want to serve and want to make the community better and more prosperous. That's all that motivates me,' added Tito.

Tito emphasized that the regional elections will take place according to schedule and for the cagub who died before voting, the replacement process has been regulated in the Law (UU) mechanism.

The election schedule has been set and the stages have been regulated by the General Elections Commission (KPU). He also continues to urge the public to continue to be conducive in overseeing the democratic process peacefully.

"I say the show must go on, the Pilkada will continue. Later there will be a mechanism for candidates who die or die, yes. There is a mechanism regulated in the Pilkada Law and KPU regulations, but the Pilkada must continue, still looking for a good leader in North Maluku," he concluded.