JAKARTA - The Executive Director of the Centre for Indonesia Strategic Actions (CISA), Herry Mendrofa, assessed that the celebration of the birthday of the Cabinet Secretary (Seskab) Teddy Indra Wijaya in a luxurious manner in the midst of the people's economic condition which is not yet fully stable shows inappropriate political communication.
"In the midst of a community that is still grappling with economic uncertainty, such a party actually presents a face of arrogant and insensitive power," he said, Sunday, April 19.
According to him, the birthday celebration is not just a personal event, but can be interpreted as a symbol of the widening distance between the elite and the community.
"Instead of showing closeness to the people, the palace seems to confirm the wide social distance between the elite and ordinary people. This is not just a private party, but a symbol of indifference to public justice," added Herry.
Moreover, Teddy's birthday celebration has become a spotlight after being compared to the birthday celebration of the Chairman of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Siti Hediarti Soeharto or Titiek Soeharto, who was celebrated in a simple way. "The public sees a sharp contrast. Titiek's simplicity can be read as a humble attitude, while Teddy's luxurious party emphasizes the image of exclusivity and privilege," said Herry.
He stated that the publication of Teddy's birthday celebration could create certain perceptions among the public. "And I say that this is a wrong political stage, which risks worsening the image of the government as an elite who are busy partying while the people demand justice and simplicity," he said.
As is known, the Seskab Teddy Indra Wijaya and Titiek Soeharto both have birthdays on April 14. However, the two ways of celebrating the moment are different. Titiek celebrated his birthday in a simple way at the DPR Complex after the IV Commission meeting accompanied by his son, Ragowo Hediprasetyo or Didit Prabowo, and a number of commission partners. The celebration was carried out by cutting the tumpeng and blowing candles on the birthday cake.
Meanwhile, Teddy celebrated his birthday in several locations, ranging from hotels to in flight. While in Paris, he celebrated the moment at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, which is known as one of the prestigious hotels. The entourage of President Prabowo is known to occupy the Signature Royal Suite room type with a price range of IDR 300 million to IDR 500 million per night. In addition, Teddy also received a birthday surprise from the flight attendant on his official trip to Paris, France, complete with a birthday cake.
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