Ahok And Sabam Sirait 'Hot Debate', Choose Trade Or Politics

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama alias Ahok (Photo: Rizky/VOI)

JAKARTA - Basuki Tjahaja Purnama alias Ahok revealed that he had 'debated' with PDIP founder Sabam Sirait. The debate occurred when Ahok wanted to enter politics.

Sabam Sirait asked Ahok to rethink his decision to enter politics. Sabam Sirait asked Ahok to focus on trading.

"'What are you doing in politics, he says'. Just trade, he says, money is better. If you go into politics, you don't have money," Ahok said after visiting the Sabam Sirait funeral home in South Jakarta, Thursday, September 30.

Then, Sabam Sirait said Ahok, going into politics does not guarantee that the economy will improve. In fact, in the world of politics will add enemies for him.

"'If you want to be honest, it's hard to have no money and you are hostile'. We can be rich if you trade. 'You have talent, he said,'" Ahok said imitating Sabam Sirait.

However, Ahok was not discouraged by what Sabam Sirait said. He was determined to enter the world of politics. Apparently, said Ahok, what Sabam Sirait said was a test for him. Of course so that when he entered the political world he was stronger.

"Then I told him, apparently he was testing me. Then I said, if we become a trade, we can help the poor people. One billion for Rp. 500 thousand, only 2,000 people can get. But if we are in politics holding the State Budget, we can help everyone have health insurance, education. He immediately said yes, you have to go forward," said Ahok.

On the other hand, Ahok also stated that Sabam Sirait is his role model in the political world. Because, he not only gives advice but also an example to keep going despite various pressures.

"I remember the message, if you want to go to politics, there's no turning back. That's the principle," said Ahok.

"He not only spoke but also gave examples and he gave me a show case or window to show a transformational power when there are people with character who stand for the truth, justice and of course honesty," he continued.

Sabam Sirait at a glance

Senior PDI-P politician Sabam Sirait passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Sabam was reported to have suffered from a lung disease for the past two months. Sabam's passing leaves deep sorrow for the many politicians who learned from him. Who really is Sabam Sirait? The following is the profile of Sabam Sirait.

One of the deepest condolences was conveyed by fellow PDI-P politician Rahmad Handoyo. He admitted that he had lost a senior figure as well as the founder of the PDI-P.

"Of course we lose a figure of his caliber, a nationalist figure, a national figure who continues to provide an experience related to nationalism," said Rahmad, citing a VOI article entitled Sabam Sirait Dies, PDIP Politician: We Lost a Role Model.

Another PDI-P politician, Said Abdullah, also expressed his condolences for the passing of Sabam Sirait. Said said that Sabam was a role model for his juniors in the party bearing the bull symbol. Sabam has a golden ink on the journey of PDIP to become the number one political party in Indonesia.

Who is Sabam Sirait?

Sabam Sirait is the eldest of three children. He was born to FH Sirait, one of the founders of the Indonesian Christian Party (Parkindo) and Julia Sibuea.

Sabam Sirait is married to Sondang Sidabutar, a doctor who graduated from the University of North Sumatra (USU). From the marriage of Sabam and Sondang, both of them have four children.

Sabam Sirait has served as a DPD Member since January 15 2018, replacing AM Fatwa, who died in December 2017. Sabam Sirait has a son who is also a PDI-P politician and Member of the Indonesian Parliament, Maruarar Sirait.

On October 1, 2019, Sabam became the oldest interim chairman of the MPR for the period 2019–2024. Citing the official website of the DPD RI, Sabam started his political career while studying at the Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia (UI) in 1958.

He was interested, "Because he saw the void after Bung Karno's disbanded parties." active as chairman of the Jakarta branch of the Indonesian Christian Student Movement (GMKI). In addition, Sabam is heavily involved in the activities of political organizations.

Prior to serving as Secretary General of the DPP PDI, he served as Secretary General of the DPP Parkindo. Before the 1982 elections,

Sabam became a member of the DPR-RI with the positions of Deputy Chairman of Commission II and Deputy Chair of the MPR-RI Working Body. In the 1987 general election, Sabam did not go overboard in setting targets for the PDI.

He said "The democratic party should be held in accordance with the law, overflowing, honest and fair, in accordance with Pancasila democracy."

A number of positions that have been held by Sabam are; Administrative Officer at PSKD High School in Jakarta (1957–1958), Employee of the State Administration (LAN) in Jakarta (1958–1960), Member of the DPR GR/MPRS (1967–1971), Deputy Chairperson of the Working Body of the DPR GR/MPRS (1971–1970). 1973), Member of the Indonesian Parliament from the PDI Faction (1973–1977), Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the PDI Faction (1977–1982), Member of the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA) (1983–1988), Member of the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA) (1988–1992) , Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the PDI Faction (Vice Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives) (1992–1997), and Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the PDI-P Faction (1999–2004).

Sabam Sirait is also one of the politicians who support Palestine. In 2010, Sabam Sirait participated in a peaceful demonstration organized by PKS in the Monas courtyard to express support for Palestine.

Sabam is a member of the Palestine Support Caucus. He delivered an oration by inviting PDI-P cadres to reject the Israeli plan to demolish the Al Aqhsa Mosque at that time.

"I propose that DPRD members here please invite DPRD members from the PDI-P tomorrow to take action for Palestine," said Sabam, quoted from Kompas.

At that time, Sabam also proposed naming Palestine for one of the streets in Jakarta. Sabam argues that support for Palestine must continue to be called for to seek peace.

"Palestine does not yet have national sovereignty. Israel wants to build a fence so that Palestine cannot enter it. If we are free and active, our government must prove it," he added.

In 2015, Sabam Sirait was awarded as the Father of National Democracy. The award was given on the basis of Sabam's struggle in upholding democracy in Indonesia. Sabam is known for going a long way to uphold democracy in the country.