Hatta Rajasa: There should be no mobilization of the masses

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Even though the presidential campaigning is over, Hatta Raja still looks tired, deep pockets under his eyes. "I've rested but it hasn't caught up with my fatigue," said the chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) and running mate of presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, who leads the coalition comprising his party Gerindra, PAN, United Development Party (PPP), Justice and Prosperity Party (PKS) and the Crescent Star Party (PBB). 

Since polling day Hatta has stayed mostly at home, monitoring the news on the election results, occasionally meeting with Prabowo, in anticipation of the final vote tally announced by the General Elections Commission (KPU) on July 22. "It could also be the tension raised by the close count of the votes," explained Hatta, over his tired appearance. The following are excerpts of a brief interview with Hatta.

What does your internal team tell you about the election results so far?

If I answered that question, there's bound to be more divisions, given the many claims already out there. Let's just wait for the KPU count, or if we must go to the Constitutional Court, let us wait for its final verdict and respect it.

Does that mean, win or lose, the next step will be the Constitutional Court?

I don't know. Reporting to the Court is a mechanism that is available if cheating is involved. I don't know what the results of the KPU tally are, but a lawsuit in court is justifiable following a presidential election. Even the election results of 2004 and 2009, with such wide margins, were taken to court. What should be banned is mobilizing the masses. The police should ban protests (in such times). In the interest of unity and harmony, there must be no violence on July 22.

Yet about 1,000 volunteers supporting Prabowo yesterday gathered to state their readiness to do so.

I haven't followed that news. I don't want the masses involved. I will convey that message to the supporters. Win or lose is a normal thing. We must invite people to support the elected president. Right now the people are still divided.

Have there been communications with the Widodo-Jusuf Kalla camp on a possible reconciliation?

Not with Jusuf Kalla. But I have many friends in his camp. Basically, we want to discuss how the advances that our country has achieved should not be affected by the division caused by the presidential election.

Does Prabowo share your views on reconciliation with the Joko Widodo camp?

He also loves the country. I will convey to him not to mobilize the masses. This was discussed when we met with President Yudhoyono recently.

What are you doing to make reconciliation happen?

I have no problem sending my congratulations if Jokowi and Jusuf Kalla win. Conversely, they should do the same (if we win). This would be educational for the people.

Have you made preparations for winning or losing?

We have done that from the start. The problem is that tension has been created by the different results coming out of the different quick counts. Quick counts are scientific, but people are not ready for them and not everyone understands them. This is what can spark polarization. (*)

Read the full interview in this week's edition of Tempo English Magazine