TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The community supporting President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Projo condemned the persecution act brought up by a group of people wearing the attributes of #2019GantiPresiden to a woman and her child in a Car Free Day event on Sunday, April 29.
"The incident was shameful, we strongly condemn it which should not be done by those who have different aspirations. The values of democracy are tarnished by that. It seems like everything can be used to become president. What are [their] goal and purpose [of the act]?" said Projo Chairman Budi Arie Setiadi in a press release.
Democracy, Budi argued, means to appreciate different opinion and its value and quality might be spoiled if any violence is allowed. "We respect the freedom of opinion as it is guaranteed by the constitution but we must also maintain the social order," he noted.
Previously, a video footage displaying a number of people wearing a T-shirt with the trending hashtag #2019GantiPresiden were seen intimidated a person wearing the anti-thesis T-shirt #DiaSibukKerja in the Car Free Day (CFD) event around Hotel Indonesia roundabout, Central Jakarta on Sunday, April 29.
Budi added all parties should have refrained themselves prior to the 2019 Presidential Election. "Do not disgrace our beloved nation and country by spreading hostility and hatred among the community," he said.
Furthermore, Jakarta Police Chief Sr. Comr. Roma Hutajulu confirmed the incident. "We're currently conducting the investigation," Roma added.
IRSYAN HASYIM/ ANDITA RAHMA