TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Election Supervisory Board or Bawaslu will summon the Press Council, criminal expert, and the General Election Commission (KPU) to investigate the indication of violation committed by the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI).
“Wednesday or Thursday this week, we are scheduled to call the three parties to see the indication of violation," said Bawaslu member, Ratna Dewi Petalolo, Monday, May 7.
Bawaslu probes the PSI which is suspected of stealing the start of the campaign for advertising in the print media Jawa Pos on April 23, 2018. Even though the 2019 election participants’ ad campaign will be started on September 23, 2018.
PSI's ad is considered to violated because of the PSI's symbol and serial number as a participant of the 2019 election considered a party's self-image. PSI posted the advertisement to show an alternative poll of vice presidential candidates and cabinet ministers for President Joko Widodo in next year's elections.
Ratna said Bawaslu had previously asked for clarification from the manager and assistant manager of the political and government business of Jawa Pos. In addition, Bawaslu has questioned the PSI Secretary-General, advertising agencies, and linguists. Bawaslu summoned all parties concerned as to see there were indications of infringement on the PSI ad.
Wednesday, May 2, Bawaslu Jakarta has called the PSI to clarify the advertisement. Head of Division of Law and Handling of Violation of Bawaslu Jakarta Puadi said, if it is proven to violate, PSI can be convicted.
Article 492 of Law No. 7 of 2017 on General Election stipulates that anyone intentionally campaigning outside the schedule established by the General Election Commission, Provincial KPU, and City/Regency KPU shall be sentenced to a maximum of 1-year imprisonment and a maximum fine of Rp12 million. "PSI can be convicted and will be processed in Gakumdu Bawaslu."
IMAM HAMDI
