Jakarta – Academician of Al Azhar University Indonesia, Ujang Komarudin, emphasized that President Prabowo’s video of support for the candidate pair for governor and deputy governor of Central Java, Ahmad Luthfi-Taj Yasin, was not a form of election intervention.
“Yes, in the context of making a video, I don’t think it’s interfering. Interfering is intervening legally and politically,” said Ujang.
He also reminded that from the start it was very clear that the Gerindra Party led by Prabowo Subianto stated its support for Ahmad Luthfi in the 2024 Central Java Regional Head Election.
Therefore, Ujang assessed that the right to provide support is part of the political freedom of a president and also the general chairman of a party.
“If there is a video circulating giving support to Ahmad Luthfi, that is the right of the President and the right of Prabowo. Because it is permissible to support. The President may campaign, as long as he follows the provisions and laws in force,” he added.
The Head of the Presidential Communications Office, Hasan Nasbi, expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Prabowo’s call for support was made in his capacity as General Chair of the Gerindra Party, not as President.
“Mr. Prabowo is the party’s general chairman. As the party’s general chairman, he signs recommendations for regional head candidates,” Hasan explained.
Hasan also emphasized that the support was part of Prabowo’s obligation as the party chairman who wanted to win the candidate supported by Gerindra.
“The candidate recommended by Mr. Prabowo’s Party (Gerindra) is of course a candidate who is also supported by him,” he added.
In a separate location, Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security, Budi Gunawan, stated that there is nothing wrong if regional head candidates ask for support from President Prabowo.
According to him, Prabowo will accept anyone who comes to ask for support. “All (candidates) are allowed to ask for support, it is impossible for guests to be accepted,” said Budi.
“Maybe if another candidate came, he would definitely accept it,” he concluded.