Jokowi: Elections Should be Festive, Not Flaming with Anger

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Incumbent presidential candidate Joko “Jokowi” Widodo asserts that the 2019 presidential election is a democratic festivity which should be approached jubilantly and seemed to satirically call out his opponent who he deemed is treating the election in a different view.

“It should not be about scare tactics, pessimism, and constant anger. A democratic festivity should be full of elation,” said Jokowi satirically in his campaign at the Singaperbangsa Stadium in Karawang, West Java today, April 9.

As to whom he refers to, Jokowi did not mention any individual nor did journalists present at the location asked about it.

However, the most recent campaign held by Jokowi’s opponent Prabowo Subianto in Yogyakarta on April 8 saw the opposition expressing his campaign oration in a firm and hardened manner.

At the time, Prabowo Subianto quipped about the role of Indonesia’s police and national armed forces (TNI) by reminding members of the two state-institutions their intended role.

“Hey all of you in the military and police institution, remember that you are the people’s army!” said Prabowo. “You’re the people’s police. You should not serve a small group of people, moreover protecting the rights of foreign puppets (antek asing).”

DEWI NURITA