HTI Ban, Radicalism Issue to Raise in Next Election Debate

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A political observer from Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN Jakarta), Adi Prayitno, predicted issues about the dissolution of a mass organization Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) and radicalism will be a highlight in the fourth election debate of presidential election on Saturday, March 30.

Adi hoped incumbent candidate Joko Widodo or Jokowi and the opposition Prabowo Subianto will fiercely talk about those issues.

“I hope there will be a fierce fight of opinions,” said Adi in a discussion in Cikini, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, March 27.

According to Adi, the disbandment of HTI will be the strength and weakness as well of Jokowi. On the other side, Prabowo who commonly said of being close to the radical group must speak up following the issue.

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Adi opined Jokowi will earn benefits for his bravery in dissolving the organization that seeking to convert Indonesia’s ideology Pancasila to the caliphate. However, the candidate pair number 01 will also gain criticism for the disbandment as it was decided through regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) No. 2/2017 on the mass organization.

In fact, Law No. 16/2017 on mass organization stipulates that a dissolution must be through legal proceedings, and the issuance of Perppu must require a crucial condition.

“So I think both Jokowi and his team must prepare significant answers,” Adi added.

Prabowo Subianto, meanwhile, must clarify issues against him that he is close to the banned group. Adi considered those issues must be highlighted so the public could acknowledge visions of both candidates in light of ideology and democracy in Indonesia.

“This is related to our future democracy, influences our discourses because it’s outside the need of electoral politics,” Adi remarked.

The fourth election debate, which two presidential candidates Jokowi and Prabowo Subianto will take part, is slated to be held on Saturday, March 30, in Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta. Both candidates will talk about issues related to ideology, governance, defense and security, and international relations.

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI