KAMMI Urges Minister Luhut To Refrain From Slamming Criticism

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Muslim Student Action Union (KAMMI) called on the Coordinating Minister of Home Affairs Luhut Binsar Panjaitan to refrain from responding to criticism towards the government.

Luhut’s threatening attitude during a speech in a seminar on maritime affairs in the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) judged as inappropriate, Monday, March 19.

“As if that Luhut wanted to show his military side,” said Secretary-General KAMMI Central Executive, Phirman Rezha, when contacted on Tuesday, March 20.

Phirman explained that Luhut's attitude threatens the values of democracy in Indonesia, one of which is to guarantee that every citizen can express an opinion in public.

Luhut asked by KAMMI to guard and not to abuse his authority for public intervention.

Earlier, Luhut denied the allegation that stated President Jokowi has sold the country to foreign parties through the opening of various investment projects. The denial is accompanied by a threat to open the sin of of the person who gave the critic.

"Do not play game with us, we can open your sins, who do you think you are?," said Luhut with a threatening tone in BPK Building.

Luhut did not specify who was the person that he threatened. However, the alleged threat was believed to be directed to former Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Amien Rais who once reminded Jokowi to not sell the country to foreign parties.

Furthermore, Phirman explained the threat by Luhut Binsar Panjaitan has an indication of abuse of power. In addition, Luhut's attitude is also considered to have injured the values of reform.

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH