PDIP's Response To Prabowo's Proposal To Regional Head Elected By DPRD: Sovereignty Is In The Hands Of The People

Illustration (Photo: Doc Antara)

JAKARTA - The DPP of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) responded to the suggestion of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, who wanted the Regional Head Election (Pilkada) to be elected by the DPRD.

PDIP has the principle that the people continue to have sovereignty in choosing their leaders.

"Regarding the election chosen by the DPRD, I don't think we in the PDI-P will rush. What is certain is that we adhere to the principle of people's sovereignty is the main principle in the election, the vol populi vox dei, the voice of the people, the voice of God's voice. And the sovereignty of the people is predicted through direct elections," said the chairman of the DPP for the PDIP Executive Election Winning Division, Deddy Sitorus, Friday, December 13, evening.

Regarding the high cost, according to Deddy, due to the loss of morals, ethics, and greed who want to go through the rules and regulations.

"That's what makes it expensive. So, don't just blame the people for the expensive costs. Because the one who sprinkled the money was from the political elite itself, right," said Deddy.

"Parties to build a support base below certainly don't need big money, right, that's the logic. But if you want to play shortcuts, like it or not, you will definitely play big money," he continued.

However, Deddy said that PDIP would test whether Prabowo's proposal could really be carried out or not.

"But in principle, we still want direct elections and sovereignty in the hands of the people. One man, one vote," said Deddy.

Furthermore, Deddy assessed that the way to reduce the cost of regional elections, which is still very expensive, is to intervene.

"The question now is, how far does the government really want to make elections is not reckless like the last elections. If the party is grounded, rooted, there will be no general election that costs a lot of money," he said.

"But if the parties are not rooted in the people, of course they will try to find shortcuts to win the election contest," added Deddy.

However, added Deddy, PDIP will officially convey its views after the proposed revision of the Pilkada Law.

"We will conduct a more in-depth study. But we are even conducting a study on the asymmetric regional elections, where areas with all their indicators are ready to carry out direct elections. For example, there are various studies, theories that can be used to determine that," explained Deddy.

Therefore, Deddy said that Prabowo's process was still long.

He also asked interested parties not to rush to take the sovereignty of the people.

"Give it to the people wisely. What needs to be wise is political parties in contestation, so that they don't play shortcuts with money politics," concluded Deddy.