Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto’s support for the Central Java gubernatorial candidate, Ahmad Luthfi, is certain to be carried out in accordance with the applicable election provisions and regulations. Delivering this support in his capacity as the General Chairperson of the Gerindra Party, Prabowo followed the established campaign procedures, without using state facilities or intervening politically in the 2024 Pilkada. The Daily Chairperson of the Gerindra Party, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, emphasized that the president’s right to campaign must still comply with the laws and regulations, and in this case Prabowo is committed to maintaining the principles of fair and transparent democracy.
Sufmi Dasco Ahmad explained that the regulation allows state officials, including the president, to declare support for a particular candidate pair as long as they follow the requirements set out in the legislation. “The president has the right to support or campaign for a particular candidate, but must still comply with existing legal restrictions, including taking leave while campaigning,” Dasco said.
He added that campaign rules for state officials have been explained in detail in the General Election Commission Regulation (PKPU), including regarding restrictions on the use of official facilities during the campaign. “State officials, such as the president, can express their support openly as long as they follow procedures, such as leave and restrictions on the use of state facilities. This is regulated so that state officials who campaign continue to act in accordance with applicable provisions,” explained Dasco.
In the context of Prabowo’s support for Ahmad Luthfi, Dasco emphasized that the invitation was conveyed while still respecting the principles of democracy and was not intended to intervene in the implementation of the 2024 Pilkada. “President Prabowo does not intend to influence the course of the 2024 Pilkada. This support was conveyed personally and did not attempt to directly influence the election process,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Presidential Communications Office, Hasan Nasbi, stated that Prabowo’s call for the public to support the candidate pair Ahmad Luthfi and Taj Yasin was conveyed in Prabowo’s capacity as the General Chairperson of the Gerindra Party, not as president. “President Prabowo, in this case, spoke as the General Chairperson of the Gerindra Party, who naturally supports his party’s cadres in the Pilkada contest in Central Java,” said Hasan.
Hasan Nasbi added that the president has the right to show support for his cadres as long as it is done in his capacity as party leader. According to him, the public can understand that Prabowo conveyed the support based on his political capacity and in accordance with existing regulations.
Prabowo’s move to stick to the rules has been highlighted positively. According to Dasco, this shows that President Prabowo prioritizes democratic principles and does not use his position as head of state for political gain in the Pilkada. “He has taken steps in accordance with existing provisions, and this proves Prabowo’s commitment to a fair and transparent democratic process,” explained Dasco.
In the context of the 2024 Pilkada, the Gerindra Party emphasized the importance of all parties to comply with the regulations so that the implementation of democracy runs smoothly. Both Dasco and Hasan agreed that support from a president for a candidate in the Pilkada does not mean a form of intervention, as long as it is carried out in accordance with applicable regulations.
With the statements delivered by Dasco and Hasan, it is hoped that President Prabowo’s support for Ahmad Luthfi will be understood as part of political rights and freedoms, as well as being an example of how state officials can support candidates without breaking the rules or intervening. []