Legitimate APDESI Chairman Objects To The Name Of His Organization Being Revealed Regarding Support For The Extension Of President Jokowi's Term

APDESI Chairman Arifin Abdul Majid/Photo: VOI

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Village Governments (APDESI) Arifin Abdul Majid asked the public not to act on behalf of APDESI for personal gain. This was conveyed after a group of people on behalf of APDESI who supported President Jokowi's government was extended.

"I ask the public not to use the names of APDESI or APDESI management for certain purposes. We, from APDESI, who are legal and hold a decree from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, object if there is a group of people acting on behalf of APDESI for interests outside the main task force, let alone politics," Arifin told VOI, Wednesday, March 30.

Arifin acknowledged that expressing opinions is the right of every citizen and protected by the constitution, but that does not mean that the opinions expressed can violate other constitutions.

“When we were sworn in, we promised and swore to obey the constitution. So it's impossible for us from APDESI to officially support something that violates the constitution, such as violating the 1945 Constitution in terms of extending the presidential term of office, which is clearly written for only two terms," he said.

He also assessed that a group of people acting in the name of APDESI for political purposes made it seem as if APDESI did not understand the law and did not obey the basic laws in Indonesia.

"If this is not immediately straightened out, this will become a boomerang for APDESI because it seems as if the village heads don't understand the constitution and don't understand what law is," he added.

He also asked the community if you want to convey something it is better to create another organization.

"We from APDESI obey Pancasila and the constitution, so if someone wants to create an organization related to their political stance, please do not use the name APDESI," he concluded.