Time for the Public Interest

Time for the public interest

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Voting Committee (PPS) officers put up a permanent candidate list (DCT) for members of the DPD RI constituency in DI Yogyakarta on the information board for residents in Gedongkiwo Village, Mantrijeron, Yogyakarta, Wednesday (26/9/2018). The installation of DCT aims to help voters identify who the legislative candidates will be elected in the upcoming general election.

“Politics is the art of the possible, the attainable – the art of the next best.” This is the advice that was imparted by Otto von Bismarck, the first chancellor of the German Empire.

Many still see truth in von Bismarck’s (1815-1898) thinking. Thus, it is only natural that a ruler, or even their supporters, looks for ways to maintain power. Democracy and the Constitution, as a result of the agreement of the citizens of the nation, are used as tools to achieve the best for all, even by staying in power: the best for the people, the owners of sovereignty.

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Article 7 of the 1945 Constitution states that the term in office of both the president and vice president last five years. After a term ends, they can be reelected for the same positions, but only for one more term. This regulation clearly limits the country’s presidential and vice presidential terms.

There is no other interpretation. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has certainly disrupted the government of Indonesia, as it has in other countries. As a result, it is only natural that discourse has arisen about extending the presidential and vice presidential terms or postponing the general elections. This is even possible according to Article 37, which states that the Constitution can be amended.

SUCIPTO

President Joko Widodo inspects a mentawir nursery in the Bukit Bengkirai area, Mentawir Village, Sepaku District, North Penajam Paser Regency, Monday (14/3/2022).

In a democratic country, it is also natural that there are differences of opinion in addressing this discourse on maintaining or gaining power. However, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has reiterated that he submits himself to comply with the Constitution. “Anyone is allowed to raise discourse. This is freedom of speech,” said President Jokowi (Kompas, 5/3/2022).

President Jokowi’s statement has brought an end to the discourse on extending the presidential/vice presidential terms. There is no need to prolong the debate on postponing the 2024 general elections, which has already lost momentum. Moreover, several leaders of pro-government political parties have also emphasized their opposition to postponing the elections, as it would create political complications and hardly benefit the people.

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> President: Obey, Follow, Comply with the Constitution

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The results of a Kompas Research and Development (Litbang) opinion poll in March 2022 also refute the claims made by several political figures that the public was in favor of postponing the elections. As much as 62.3 percent of the 1,200 total respondents were in favor of holding the general elections on 14 Feb. 2024 as agreed by the General Elections Commission (KPU), the House of Representatives and the government. As much as 66.7 percent of respondents deemed that the proposal to postpone the elections had been raised only for political purposes. The results of the Kompas Litbang poll were also in line with surveys conducted by other institutions. (Kompas, 14/3/2021).

Politics is indeed the art of seeking the best opportunity to gain power. However, politics is also a means to realize the public interest. It is fine to look for opportunities to retain or gain power, but this power should be used for the public good, for the sake of the people and not for power alone.

In Javanese philosophy, a leader must be virtuous and possess leksana, being generous and keeping one’s promise; a promise to prioritize the interests and welfare of the people.

This article was translated by Kesya Adhalia.