Neutrality of Pangudi Luhur High School Alumni Association Ahead of the Presidential Election
By: Arief Rahmanto *
The name of the Pangudi Luhur High School (SMA) in Jakarta is rising so far throughout the country. This is because this school has given birth to quality leaders in this country. Pangudi Luhur High School is oriented towards the vision and ideals of giving birth to students with personality and character with 3 ideals, namely intellectuality, fraternity and solidarity. Alumni are certainly careful in seeing the world of academia that is different from secondary school that is far from the political hustle and bustle. Middle schools must be protected so that they are not led to political currents that endanger the existence of students and education.
Had heard that the presidential candidate number 01 Jokowi – Ma’ruf had the support of a number of Pangudi Luhur high school alumni. Jokowi, who received the support of reason, said he was shocked, because Pangudi Luhur High School was a School where Vice President No. 02 Sandiaga Uno studied. Jokowi said, there were around 800 people present at the declaration. However, he felt like it was attended by 84,800 people, because the alumni were so enthusiastic to welcome him by shouting Jokowi’s name. Some of the alumni of Pangudi Luhur Jakarta High School, declared their support to the Presidential Candidate Joko Widodo or Jokowi – Ma’ruf. They looked compact wearing black t-shirts that read “Different but Unite”. The declaration was also attended by the Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rosan P. Roeslani. Rosan is a 1987 alumni of PL. In addition, the Chairperson of the Jokowi National Campaign Team – Ma’ruf Erick Thohir, Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Syaifuddin, and Cabinet secretary Pramono Anung.
On another occasion, Sandiaga Uno had revealed that he was the first PL high school alumni to run for vice president. Previously PL High School had succeeded in spawning graduates to become Minister of National Development Planning, namely Bambang Brodjonegoro. Sandi also claimed that Pangudi Luhur High School alumni who supported him more than those in the presidential candidate Jokowi’s camp.
Related to this, the Pangudi Luhur High School Alumni Association stressed that their organization would not support any Paslon. This was stated by IKA PL General Chair Arief Satria Kurniagung. Arif stressed that his party was neutral in the 2019 Presidential Election title. He requested that no party take advantage of the name of the organization. Because, if the Alumni Association declares support for one of the candidate pairs, then that means it will be in the name of all PL high school alumni. He also added, this attitude had actually been stated in one of the points of the official statement issued on January 15, 2019 ago. He revealed that there were 4 points stated by PL SMA IKA in responding to the contestation of 2019 Presidential Elections and Pileg.
n his point, the PL SMA stated that they would not obstruct or prohibit the school alumni from channeling and conveying ideas, aspirations, support or using their political rights. Arief said that his party only prohibited all high school alumni from using the name, logo and attributes on behalf of the Pangudi Luhur High School Alumni Association.
Nonetheless, the Pangudi Luhur High School Student Association will not prohibit if there are school alumni who wish to provide support for certain candidates. Because, it is the right of every citizen to vote and the Alumni Association always respects the democratic rights of alumni. But with one note, that support should not be on behalf of the PL High School Alumni Association. He also added that the involvement of a number of PL High School alumni in the 2019 Presidential Election contestation was due to the existence of Sandiaga who accompanied Prabowo as vice president. Sandiaga is known as a high school dropout specifically for the man.
Furthermore, he explained that the conditions in which a number of alumni had different preferences related to support in the 2019 Presidential Election, as happened at this time were natural and legitimate. rather than personal or group interests. One of Pangudi Luhur’s high school alumni and architect Yori Antar revealed his reasons for not supporting Sandiaga Uno in the 2019 Presidential election. The 1981 alumni of the PL said that the presidential election was not like the election of an alumni leader so he had to choose from the same alma mater.
Despite showing support for the incumbent camp, Yori also admitted that she was still a good friend and had good relations with Uno Codaga. He claimed there were no personal problems with Sandiaga which were the reason or the result of his personal support for the Petahana Presidential Candidate Joko Widodo. Yori also added that the junior was a smart and great person. But this time, his side has not supported the password. He also considered that Jokowi had performed well during the period of becoming President. Infrastructure development and inland areas are considered successful for human development in the future. So, Yori believes Jokowi needs to lead one more period. Pangudi Luhur High School also has a direct slice with Vice President No 02 Sandiaga Uno. Because Sandiaga Uno and Rosan are known to be friends since high school. Now, Rosan is appointed to be the Deputy of TKN Jokowi – Ma’ruf. This is certainly proof that Pangudi Luhur High School alumni do not necessarily give their support to the Prabowo Couple – Sandi.
*) Political Science Student at Tanjungpura University