TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Democrat Party's politician Ruhut Sitompul said his party supported a direct regional election, in accordance to SBY’s stance as chairman. "In Democrat, we only have one patron - SBY as the chairman," Ruhut said.
SBY has stated his support via Youtube account in the past couple of days. In his statement, SBY said direct regional election suits Indonesian presidential system. However, he underlines that the system needs to be improved, in order to suppress negative excess.
Ruhut said SBY’s stance is a guideline for Democrat Faction in the House. Having different views are the rights of each cadres as it is political dynamics. However, Ruhut said all cadres must follow and secure SBY’s stance.
The Democrat’s stance on regional election cannot be interpreted as its being on Merah Putih Coalition, according to Ruhut. It is because Democrat remains consistent in being a neutral party. "Democrat’s stance is not that of Merah Putih Coalition. We are neutral, as a balance. We support the good things and criticize the bad things in the government," he said.
RIKY FERDIANTO
