One Vote to Reject Third Presidential Term
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12 September 2022 11:00 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jokowi’s stance on the presidential term extension was considered to be indecisive. The parliament declined the idea of Jokowi’s third term.
Supporters of President Joko Widodo have again raised the talks of the presidential term extension to three terms. But parties in the parliament denied that the issue was being rose again, especially since the election process has been started. The Indonesian Democratic Party (PDIP), the party that endorses Jokowi, highly opposed the idea. “The constitution must be followed,” said PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto to Tempo on September 4, 2022.
According to Hasto, the limitation of the presidential term is needed to maintain the process of institutionalized leadership regeneration through democratic means. “Also to remember the adage that power tends to corrupt. Therefore, the constitution must be adhered to as a basic provision," he said. "The plan will create political instability."
Those who are the most vocal in voicing Jokowi’s third term are the members of Pro Jokowi (Projo). This group is known to be fanatic in supporting Jokowi, especially in the 2014 and 2019 elections.
Projo voiced the idea of Jokowi’s third term at the first People’s Conference (Musra) in Bandung on August 28. Besides Projo, the meeting was attended by various groups that support Jokowi. They include Relawan Buruh Sahabat Jokowi, Seknas Jokowi, Bara JP, GK Center, and Kornas Jokowi. “[We] recognize people’s aspirations supporting Jokowi’s third term,” said the chairperson of Projo, Budi Arie Setiadi, last week.
Over 5,000 people attended the gathering. They held a poll on the presidential candidate for the 2024 Election. The result showed that Jokowi received the highest vote totaling 1,704 or 27.79 percent. After Jokowi, Sandiaga Uno came in second and was followed by Ganjar Pranowo, Prabowo Subianto, and Anies Baswedan.
In his speech during the event, Jokowi conveyed his appreciation to his supporters. He said that this was the people’s forum that listens to the aspirations of the people, including the aspiration for the third presidential term. “This is the people’s forum. People are allowed to voice their views right? It shouldn’t be a problem if someone speaks of three terms. That is just a discourse. Anyone is allowed to state their opinion,” said Jokowi at that time.
Chairperson of the National Awakening Party Jazilul Fawaid agreed that democracy cannot bar anyone to propose an idea and voicing input, including the idea of the third presidential term. However, he went on, the Constitution limits the presidential term to only two terms. “Unless there is a change in constitution or laws amendment,” Jazilul remarked.
In fact, the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) no longer conducts studies related to the limited amendments to the Constitution. "So the discourse of the three periods is only street talk," said the Deputy Chief of MPR.
