Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto remains committed to maintaining neutrality in his position as head of state ahead of the 2024 Pilkada. The President is considered to highly respect the democratic process in the regions. The government continues to strive so that the 2024 Pilkada can run safely, peacefully and fairly.
This was emphasized by the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam) Budi Gunawan.
“Prabowo as head of government and head of state remains neutral,” said Budi.
Regarding the visit of the Luthfi-Yasin pair, Budi stated that it was a normal thing in the context of protocol. Prabowo, as the host, certainly received the visit of Luthfi-Yasin. According to him, if other candidates visited, of course Prabowo would also receive them.
“As a guest, it is impossible (not) to be accepted. Maybe if other candidates come, he will definitely accept them,” he explained.
Budi also added that it is natural for every candidate to seek support to increase their electability.
“Yes, every candidate wants to find something that can boost the electorate. Guests come, maybe he should talk like that. I think others are allowed to ask for his time,” said Budi Gunawan.
“The government will continue to remind state administrators to remain neutral so that the election runs smoothly,” said Budi Gunawan.
Academics also assessed President Prabowo Subianto’s attitude as not intervening or interfering in politics or being contrary to the law.
Al Azhar University Indonesia academic Ujang Komarudin stated that the video of support delivered by Prabowo Subianto was not an intervention or political interference and did not conflict with the law.
He assessed that what Prabowo conveyed to Ahmad Lutfhi was in his capacity as General Chair of the Gerindra Party.
“Prabowo conveyed this support as the General Chair of the Gerindra Party which supported Ahmad Lutfhi in the 2024 Central Java Pilkada,” said Ujang.
Likewise, Head of the Presidential Communications Office Hasan Nasbi explained that President Prabowo did not intervene politically ahead of the 2024 regional elections.
According to him, as the General Chairman of the Gerindra Party, Prabowo signed recommendations for regional head candidates.
“Mr. Prabowo is the party’s general chairman. As the party’s general chairman, he signs recommendations for regional head candidates,” Hasan told the media.
President Prabowo Subianto as head of government is very committed to being neutral. The government also continues to strive so that the implementation of the Pilkada can run smoothly, safely and fairly. [-red]