Orient's Aground Dream To Occupy The Position Of Sabu Raijua Regent Was Due To Being Dishonest As A Foreign Citizen

Doc. The elected Regent of Sabu Raijua, Orient P Riwu Kore, gave a statement to journalists (Kornelis Kaha/Antara)

JAKARTA - The Constitutional Court (MK) decision ordering the General Election Commission (KPU) to hold a re-voting (PSU) ended Orient Patriot Riwu Kore's dream of serving as Regent of Sabu Raijua.

In the 2020 Pilkada, Orient was appointed as the elected regent because he won the most votes. Before being inaugurated, it turned out that Orient was still a foreign national, namely the United States.

The Executive Director of Perludem, Khoirunnisa Agustyati, appreciated the Constitutional Court's decision which had answered and resolved the regional election polemic for Sabu Raijua Regency, East Nusa Tenggara in 2020.

"With this decision, the Constitutional Court shows its position as a protector of a just democracy and protects the people's right to vote in Sabu Raijua Regency to get a leader who has legal and political legitimacy, from a process that should be honest and fair," said Khoirunnisa in her statement, Sunday, April 18.

The Constitutional Court proved that Orient was consciously dishonest in carrying out the nomination process for regent. This is because the Election Law clearly states that it is impossible for a foreign citizen to become a candidate for the regional head, let alone be appointed as regent.

Although based on trial facts, it was revealed that the election organizers only found out that Orient had US citizenship after he received the most votes.

"During the trial, it was revealed that Orient Riwu Kore was dishonest regarding his citizenship status. He was dishonest to the consulate general of the Republic of Indonesia in Los Angeles when he asked for a Travel Laksana Passport (SPLP) which he would use to apply for an Indonesian passport valid from 2019 to 2024," explained Khoirunnisa.

In fact, when he applied for the Indonesian passport, he already held a United States passport valid from 2017 to 2027. Dishonesty continued when he registered as a regional head candidate for the 2020 Local Election, in September 2020.

Based on these facts, the Constitutional Court decided to disqualify Orient Riwu Kore and his deputy regent candidates and ordered a re-vote at all polling stations in Sabu Raijua Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.

Reflecting on this case, Khoriunnisa asked Orient not to make efforts outside the existing election law enforcement mechanisms. The Constitutional Court decision is final and binding.

"Efforts outside the electoral law enforcement system that have been designed by the legislators will only provide legal uncertainty, undermine the electoral law enforcement system, and do not provide good political education to the public," she concluded.