Introductory Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at Limited Cabinet Meeting on Preparation for Simultaneous Regional Elections, Wednesday, 5 August 2020 at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Good morning,

May prosperity be upon us all,

Coordinating Ministers,

Ministers,

Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces,

Chief of the Indonesian National Police,

Chairperson of the General Elections Commission,

Chairperson of the Elections Supervisory Agency;

and Distinguished Vice President.

At the Limited Cabinet Meeting this morning, we need to discuss the preparation for the simultaneous regional elections to be held on 9 December 2020.

First, although the regional elections will be held in the midst of the pandemic, it is our hope that the elections will be democratic, direct, open, free, confidential, honest, and fair, but above all, should be safe from COVID-19. There are two main factors in the 2020 regional election. The quality of the elections must be improved and the elections must be safe from COVID-19. Therefore, we must pay attention to health aspects and the safety of the organizers, participants and voters. The implementation of health protocols must become a new habit at every stage of the elections to prevent new clusters or new waves of COVID-19, which will become counterproductive.

Second, several countries had also held elections during this pandemic both at the local and national level, including Singapore, Germany, France and South Korea. The most important factor is to convince voters that the General Election Commission and the Government are committed to health and safety amid COVID-19 pandemic. The implementation of strict health protocols will provide a sense of security and we hope voter turnout rate will remain high.

 Third, the upcoming regional elections are also moment both for the organizers and the participants to organize the elections in new ways and create innovations in the democratic process amid the pandemic

Fourth, I have also received a report from Minister of Home Affairs regarding budget readiness and I will ask for a report on security risk mitigation in the 2020 regional elections which include approximately 270 regional elections that will elect governors, regents and mayors.

That concludes my remarks.

I thank you.

Translated by Ridwan Ibadurrohman

Reviewed by M. Ersan Pamungkas