TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chair of the Political Working Group at Greenpeace Indonesia, Khalisah Khalid, responded to the victory of Prabowo-Gibran based on several quick count results. According to her, Indonesia will potentially face harder challenges, especially in the context of declining democracy and injustice in law enforcement as well as human rights.

"Where the environmental and climate agendas can only be implemented if democracy thrives based on justice," Khalisah told Tempo on Friday, February 16, 2024.

However, she urged people to wait for the final count by the General Elections Commission (KPU) first, especially as several polling stations will conduct follow-up voting.

Concerning the legislative elections, she hoped for a strong and consistent opposition. "Various misguided policies and alleged violations of the constitution, law, and even ethics carried out by President Joko Widodo or Jokowi occurred because of the absence of a strong opposition in the parliament which served as a counterbalance to various reckless political policies," she said.

If Prabowo-Gibran is declared victorious by KPU, there will be many challenges related to environmental issues. "Their desire to continue Jokowi's programs, such as in IKN and Rempang, will be bad news for indigenous and local communities who have been marginalized by government projects so far," Khalisah said.

Greenpeace, she went on, invited civil movements, communities, and citizens to continue being brave to speak up and organize. In addition, citizens must build a strong opposition as a counterbalance outside parliament, as well as continue to strengthen citizens' political awareness through consistent education and organizing.

"This will not be easy. Political parties should perform these duties and roles, but alas, we as civil society must also carry out these roles," she said.

The preliminary real count results from KPU on Friday morning still showed Prabowo-Gibran ahead of their rivals by gaining more than 50 percent votes.

IRSYAN HASYIM

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