Sandiaga Uno Talks on Democracy, Opposition, Jokowi's Coalition

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - VP candidate for the 2019 presidential election Sandiaga Uno expressed hopes on remaining as an opposition following the naming of president-elect Joko “Jokowi” Widodo by the General Elections Commission (KPU).

Sandiaga reasons that it would be an honor for BPN political party coalition to continue representing the aspirations of those who voted for him and Prabowo Subianto.

“I think that it would be an honor for us to continue fighting to realize the aspirations of our voters totaling to nearly 70 million voters,” said Sandiaga in Monday’s July 1^st, Tempo Magazine edition.

According to the KPU, those who cast their votes for Prabowo – Sandiaga amounted to 68,650, 239 voters.

Furthermore, Sandiaga Uno said that there are many forums available to remain as opposition and strongly argues that democracy needs a well-run check and balance system.

“We are sure that democracy must have a pro-government party and an opposition party. This will create a healthy democracy. It would be difficult to conduct check and balances if everyone is on the government’s boat,” said the former Jakarta deputy Governor.

Despite his strong views, Sandiaga Uno acknowledged that there are former coalition members who don’t share the same sentiment upon deciding future political strategies.

Prabowo Subianto has officially disbanded coalition parties that backed him in the election and granted these coalition members to choose their political position.

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI

Read also: Sandiaga Uno Talks of Being Minister for Jokowi in Interview