IDNEWSNOW.COM, Jakarta – Ahead of the Indonesian simultaneous regional head elections (Pilkada) slated for December 2020, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo reminded military and police personnel to maintain neutrality in safeguarding the democratic festivity.
“I ask for all bureaucratic officials, TNI, and Police to act neutral and avert from siding with any candidates,” he said on Tuesday, September 8, in a teleconference in preparation for the 2020 simultaneous regional election.
The president expects this year’s candidates to compete in a manner that puts forth ideas and abilities of each regional candidate. Jokowi reminds that state-authorities are responsible to maintain political stability and how people perceive an electoral outcome.
“Do not let there be identity politics or politics that use ethnicity, religion, and race, as these pose a threat against Indonesia’s unity,” he asserted.
In the meeting, Jokowi called for the partnership of religious leaders, public figures, activists, and academics to collectively reach this goal.
Read: Jokowi Asserts Health Protocols Are Non-Negotiable in 2020 Election
EGI ADYATAMA