The Palace Explains That The President's Provisions Can Participate In The Pilkada Political Campaign

Screenshot - Head of the Presidential Communication Office Hasan Nasbi when delivering a press statement to reporters via video in Jakarta, Monday (4/11/2024). ANTARA/Andi Firdaus/am.

JAKARTA - Head of the Presidential Communication Office Hasan Nasbi explained the provision that President Prabowo Subianto was allowed to participate in political campaign activities in this case related to regional head elections (pilkada) as long as he did not use state facilities during its implementation.

Not only the president, the ministers on duty are also allowed to participate in campaigns with similar conditions, namely not using facilities provided by the state.

"The president and state officials may participate in the campaign, provided that they do not abuse office facilities to campaign, or campaign on weekdays without applying for leave," Hasan Nasbi said in a written message received in Jakarta, ANTARA, Sunday, October 10.

Hasan specifically said that President Prabowo's position is currently still closely related to political activities, namely as chairman of the party.

Of course, as general chairman, according to Hasan, Prabowo's position clearly supports the regional head candidates he recommends to advance in political contestation.

"The candidate recommended by the Pak Prabowo Party (Gerindra) is certainly a candidate who is also supported by him," Hasan explained.

The same rule also applies to the Minister who is allowed to campaign for regional head candidates, if the relevant ministers come from the party, of course, he will provide support to the regional head candidates who are promoted by his party.

Regarding neutrality, according to Hasan, these rules only apply to state civil servants (ASN), the National Police, and the TNI.

"The rules of neutrality are aimed at the TNI/Polri and ASN. Ministers, especially those from political parties, may also endorse candidates, and even campaign," Hasan said.

Regarding the Pilkada, Indonesia is currently preparing for the simultaneous General Election of Regional Heads (Pilkada) which will take place on November 27, 2024.

The General Election Commission (KPU) of the Republic of Indonesia at the end of September 2024 announced that there were around 1,553 pairs of regional head candidates participating in the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections in 37 provinces, 415 districts, and 93 cities.