Legal Observer Hardjuno Talks About Prabowo Who Will Be Re-nominated As President In 2029

Legal observer, Hardjuno Wiwoho. (Photo: Special)

JAKARTA - The Extraordinary Gerindra Party Congress has just determined five strategic decision points. One of the points that attracted the most attention was the decision to ask the General Chairperson of the Gerindra Party, Prabowo Subianto, to run as a presidential candidate in the 2029 Presidential Election (Pilpres).

This decision is a new history in Indonesian politics. The reason is, not even 100 days of the new government running, the Gerindra Party has determined its presidential candidate for the next five years.

Law and Development Observer Hardjuno Wiwoho considers this step a strong signal for young politicians, including Gibran Rakabuming Raka, not to make assumptions in the 2029 political contestation.

With this decision, it means that Prabowo Subianto emphasized that he is ready to undergo two terms of leadership. Speculation that he will only serve for two years then hand over the position of president to Gibran without a disputed election. This also confirms that Prabowo is in good health and ready to lead for two full periods," said Hardjuno in Jakarta, Saturday, February 15.

Hardjuno also touched on the issue of debt of gratitude in politics. According to him, there is nothing wrong if Prabowo chooses to focus on the interests of the nation compared to personal ties.

Prabowo once said that he was ready to die for the nation. If only life is left to the nation, let alone just a matter of friendship. Do not let a leader feel obliged to certain individuals or groups, but he must realize that his debt is to 280 million Indonesians who choose him. Emotional order must be the last priority, because the oath of office is pronounced to God and the people, not to certain individuals," he said.

One of Prabowo Subianto's big promises is to ensure that no one is above the law during his reign. The issue of corruption is a major concern, especially in the case of Bank Indonesia Liquidity Assistance (BLBI) and recap bonds that have cost the country thousands of trillions of rupiah.

"We see how BLBI debtors who used to experience financial problems have now become richer by hundreds or even thousands of times. The government must have the courage to enforce collection rights on BLBI funds guaranteed by debtors. If this is not implemented, then there will be a conspiracy that occurs in it," said Hardjuno.

According to him, eradicating corruption should start from large cases, not just Hand Catching Operations (OTT) on small cases.

"KPK has evidence of BLBI crimes, but until now it is still being covered up. Don't just target small cases, while major cases are allowed to pass. If law enforcement only relates to OTT, corruption will never be resolved because the value is too small compared to the big crime that is still being left," explained Hardjuno.

Prabowo also highlighted the importance of legal certainty in attracting investment. He stated that if the government can be trusted and has legal certainty, then the investment will come automatically without the need to beg.

"Progressing countries will not spend their money if there are unclear deductions. It is useless if the end is still corrupted and the people remain poor. Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) has been distributed many times, but the poverty rate has not dropped because the funds are used for online gambling, cigarettes, or corruption. This must stop," he said.

Hardjuno also criticized economic policies that still allow exploitation of natural resources regardless of people's welfare. He highlighted how national strategic projects (PSN) often sacrifice fertile agricultural land.

"Indonesia has fertile agricultural land, but many are converted into concrete in national strategic projects. How can we hope for food self-sufficiency if agricultural land continues to decrease? The PSN mission should be to improve the nation, not to create social inequality," he said.

In a global context, Hardjuno also highlighted the world's economic conditions, including the United States, which is currently struggling to overcome the budget deficit.

"Elon Musk himself stated that if the US does not cut the budget by 2 trillion US dollars, then they can go bankrupt. If a country as strong as the US alone has serious economic challenges, what about Indonesia? We are not a dollar scorer, but a dollar buyer. So, we have to be more careful in managing state finances," he explained.

With complex political and economic conditions, the people hope that Prabowo Subianto can become a firm leader in upholding the law and eradicating corruption. Hardjuno emphasized that without legal certainty, Indonesia would find it difficult to get out of a protracted crisis.

"If we want to rise, then the president must take full control of law enforcement in Indonesia. Since 1998, we have actually resigned in legal certainty. Crime is increasing, state debt has soared from US$60 billion to nearly US$5,000 billion. With GDP per capita still low, many people are still living in poverty. That is, we must be serious in building a strong legal foundation," he said.

With the various challenges faced, Prabowo Subianto is expected to truly realize his promise, no one is above the law during his reign.

"If this commitment can be realized, then Indonesia has a great opportunity to rise and become a more advanced and prosperous country," he concluded.