President Jokowi Never Bans Protest on Inauguration Day

President Jokowi talks with Speakers of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) in a meeting at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (16/10). (Photo by: Jay/PR)

Protest that will be held on the day of the presidential and vice presidential inauguration for the 2019-2024 term is guaranteed by the constitution, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“Demonstrations are guaranteed by the constitution,” President Jokowi firmly said after receiving the Speakers of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (16/10).

Regarding the previous statement saying that the police will not grant any protest permits on the inauguration day, the President said that the Government had never ordered the police to ban protests and allowed the reporters to confirm it to the Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Polri).

In the meantime, the Speaker of the MPR Bambang Soesatyo expressed hope that the public will not hold any protest during the inauguration which is slated to take place on Sunday (20/10).

“It is the Assembly’s agenda to hold the inauguration event in a solemn and peaceful situation without any disruption. Therefore, we call on the students and all Indonesians in general to maintain the solemnity,” Bambang said.

The Speaker went on to say that the success of inauguration will spread the positive message of Indonesia to the international community. “It will also boost our economy that will help the country to realize its objectives,” he concluded.  (MAY/JAY/ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Yuyu Mulyani