AHY Laments Govt's Defensive Stand Against Public Criticism

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Democrat Party chairperson Agus “AHY” Harimurti Yudhoyono in a virtual CSIS event criticized the government for misunderstanding public criticism as mere attacks, or even worse, a form of resistance. He assured that his party would never back down from expressing constructive criticism against the government. 

“Critical views or critical commentaries are considered attacks or disturbances backed by certain political views. What is more hurtful is that every conflicting view and input is viewed as resistance,” Agus said in his CSIS national speech on Monday, August 23.

He believed the Democrat Party had an fundamental role as a critical voice against the government as they were not within the government’s circle, but wished the government would be successful in protecting both the people and the country.

During his brief speech, AHY regretted the government’s defensive stand in facing conflicting views from people outside the government.

“We might argue that the groups of people considered not to be ‘red and white’ (a term to express nationalism) are the people who stay silent despite being aware of the injustices in the country. Or those who just stand still to wait for their leader to make a mistake and let the country fail,” said the eldest son of sixth Indonesian President Susilo “SBY” Bambang Yudhoyono. 

AHY reminded the government that people voicing their distress, frustration, and anger was simply human nature, especially amidst economic and social challenges the COVID-19 pandemic had caused.

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EGI ADYATAMA