Bawaslu to Summon Parties Related to Jokowi-Ma`ruf Media Ads

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu) would immediately summon several parties related to the alleged campaign violation of the Jokowi-Ma’ruf presidential ticket's fundraising advertisement in mass media. 

“We will call [them], quiz the reporter and witnesses, as well as the accused and examine the evidence,” said Ratna via phone call on Monday, October 22. 

The Jokowi camp was suspected to have violated campaign rules by airing a fundraising commercial containing photos and its election number in two national print media, viz. Media Indonesia and Koran Sindo on Wednesday.

Bawaslu saw an indication of violation in the advertisement based on Law No. 7/2017 on Election, saying the pair is only allowed to hold large-scale campaigns and place media campaigns 21 days prior to the quiet period on March 24 until April 13, 2019. 

Read: Jokowi Camp's Fundraising Ad Violates Campaign Rules: Bawaslu 

Ratna said Bawaslu had 14 days since the report was filed. According to her, the report was registered on Friday, October 19. “It [the file] has been listed on Friday [Oct 19]. The processing period starts since the registration,” she said.

Within this week, Ratna said Bawaslu would call the reporter and the reported related to the case. According to her, the reported parties are the media chairs and their advertising divisions. She added the Jokowi camp could be summoned as well.

Bawaslu kicked off its investigation today, Monday, October 22, by visiting Media Indonesia office.

SYAFIUL HADI