VP Ma'ruf Amin Says Criticisms in Dirty Vote Must be Welcomed

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin advised the government to heed the criticism conveyed through the ‘Dirty Vote’ film regarding fraudulent actions in the 2024 general elections. Ma'ruf said the most important thing was that the election ran smoothly and did not cause divisions among the Indonesian people.

"I hope that the desire to do better is responded to in kind," he said on Monday, Ferbuary  12, 2024.

Dirty Vote is a long-form movie by filmmaker Dandhy Laksono released on Sunday, February 11, 2024, on YouTube. This film features three constitutional law experts, Bivitri Susanti, Feri Amsari, and Zainal Arifin Mochtar who explain allegations of systematic election fraud by President Joko Widodo or Jokowi’s administration.

Some of those abuses of powers include mobilizations of village heads, social assistance distribution, and the Constitutional Court decision that allowed Gibran Rakabuming Raka to contest as a vice presidential candidate. 

"Hopefully there’s no dishonesty," said Ma'ru. He added that all elements must participate in monitoring the elections.

The general elections, including legislative and presidential elections, are slated for February 14, 2024. Civil groups and academic figures already expressed their worry about Jokowi’s abuse of power ahead of the imminent presidential election. The release of ‘Dirty Vote’ film on Sunday only added to the widespread concern.

Two ministries in Jokowi’s administration refuted claims of election fraud. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto considered Dirty Vote to be a form of black campaign against Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

Meanwhile, according to the Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan or Zulhas, committing underhanded actions concerning the election is difficult these days, with the media and communities observing every step. Zulhas also claimed that citizens already have their own choices. 

“I believe Indonesian citizens already decided [who to vote for]. Let’s just wait, don’t spread around nonsense issues. It creates anxiety among people,” Zulhas said.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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