Former VP Jusuf Kalla Claims Recent Elections 'Worst in Indonesia's History'

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian former Vice President Jusuf Kalla or JK said that the 2024 elections are considered by many to be non-transparent. In fact, he considered this election to be the worst in the history of Indonesian democracy.

"For me, this was the worst election in the history of Indonesia since 1955, meaning that the democratic elections are then governed by [the rich] minority and people close to the government," JK said.

This statement was conveyed when during a speech at "Consolidation for Democracy After the 2024 Election: Opposition or Coalition" held at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), University of Indonesia on Thursday.

Jusuf Kalla admitted that he was worried that if this system became a habit, Indonesia would return to an authoritarian regime. "That's the real problem," said JK.

He also said that currently, the Indonesian people see anger and protests since the election process was jammed with fraud and lack of transparency.

"Starting from large social assistance budget to various large problems that are caused by those in power buying people’s votes," he said.

"Whoever the winner is, the leader of the country must gain the trust of the people. This problem must be resolved constitutionally," JK said.

RICKY JULIANSYAH

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