Bambang Pacul: Puan Maharani Does Not Need To Resign From The Chairman Of The DPR If She Advances In The Presidential Election

Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani. Photo: Eno/Man

JAKARTA - Chairman of the PDIP Election Winning Body (Bappilu) Bambang Wuryanto or Bambang Pacul, emphasized that Puan Maharani does not need to resign from the position of Chairman of the DPR if she wants to run as a presidential or vice presidential candidate in 2024. This was said by Pacul in response to the decision of the Constitutional Court (MK) regarding the ministerial decision not to resign if she wants to run in the 2024 presidential election.

"If the minister (needs to resign)? No. What is the argument? The argument is that it is still on the executive scale and only asking for permission from the president. So, what else? DPR leadership if nominated to resign or not? I have read the law," Pacul told reporters at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Tuesday, November 1.

Pacul said, in Law (UU) Number 7 of 17 concerning Elections, it was clear that there was no ban on resigning as long as there was no use of state facilities.

"Not backing down, I have read it, the important thing is not to use state facilities," he said.

Therefore, the Secretary of the PDIP faction in the DPR emphasized that Puan should not give up her position as Chair of the DPR if she wants to run as a presidential or vice presidential candidate. Likewise with other DPR leaders and members.

"Especially for the leadership of the DPR, members of the DPR, members of the DPD, do not have to resign. So if Mbak Puan Maharani nominates a presidential or vice presidential candidate, do you need to resign? Mboten (no). Mr. Dasco (Deputy Chairman of the DPR)? Mboten (no). Bambang Pacul is just a member of the DPR, don't back down. As long as you don't use state facilities," he explained.

Pacul ensured that this would not interfere with the effectiveness of performance as a public official. Even though there is a debate, he said, the issue has been clearly regulated in the laws and regulations.

"That's then debateable, but in a state system it's important to hold the rules of the law. The law is clear anyway," he concluded.