Jakarta – Officials and political observers consider that President Prabowo Subianto’s support for a number of candidate pairs in the 2024 Pilkada is not a form of political intervention, but rather his political right as the General Chair of the Gerindra Party. Several parties consider that the President’s steps are within the legal corridor and do not violate applicable regulations.
Al Azhar University Indonesia academic, Ujang Komarudin, reinforced the view that President Prabowo’s involvement in the 2024 Pilkada is not a form of intervention.
“The video of support delivered by Prabowo Subianto is not an intervention or political interference and does not conflict with the law,” said Ujang.
He explained that President Prabowo, as the General Chairman of the Gerindra Party, has the right to provide political support to candidates nominated by his party.
“The support was conveyed by Prabowo as the General Chair of the Gerindra Party which supported Ahmad Luthfi in the 2024 Central Java Pilkada,” he added, explaining that the action was legal under the applicable rules.
Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Daily Chair of the Gerindra Party, explained that President Prabowo conveyed his support in his capacity as party leader, not as President.
“The president has the right to express support or campaign as long as he follows the applicable rules, including taking leave while campaigning,” Dasco stressed.
He emphasized that the provisions for state officials in campaigning are clearly regulated in the KPU Regulation, which also stipulates limitations on the use of official facilities.
“The provisions for state officials in campaigning are clearly regulated in the KPU Regulation, so its implementation must comply with the existing conditions and limitations,” he added.
The Head of the Presidential Communications Office, Hasan Nasbi, also supported the statement. He emphasized that President Prabowo in his capacity as the General Chair of Gerindra does have the right to provide political support to regional head candidate pairs, as mandated by the regulations.
“Prabowo’s invitation to support the candidate pair for governor and deputy governor of Central Java number 2, Ahmad Luthfi and Taj Yasin, was conveyed in his capacity as General Chairman of the Gerindra Party,” explained Hasan.
According to him, President Prabowo’s political rights cannot be considered as intervention in the ongoing Pilkada process, because political parties do play an active role in supporting the candidates they nominate.
Hasan Nasbi emphasized the importance of differentiating President Prabowo’s role as President and General Chairman of the Gerindra Party in the context of the Pilkada. According to him, President Prabowo has maintained a clear boundary between government office and political involvement in his capacity as party leader.
Experts underline that Prabowo’s involvement in the 2024 Pilkada does not necessarily intervene in the democratic process, but rather shows his commitment to political rights exercised according to the rules.
A similar statement came from the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, who emphasized that President Prabowo is committed to accepting all parties who want to work together for the benefit of the nation, regardless of political affiliation.
“President Prabowo as a national leader will accept anyone who comes with the intention to discuss and establish cooperation in building the nation,” said Budi.
He emphasized that President Prabowo supports a healthy and open democratic process, without trying to direct the results of a particular Pilkada. In this case, President Prabowo’s involvement is considered a form of legitimate political rights and does not interfere with the independence of the Pilkada.
