Coordinating Minister Calls On Public to Maintain Security

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto responds to questions from reporters after attending a Plenary Cabinet Meeting, at Bogor Palace, West Java, Tuesday (23/4) (Photo: Jay/PR)

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto invited the public to maintain security after the elections.

“To date, Indonesia ranks 9th in world’s safest country, out of 142 countries, and that is an international assessment, meaning that our country is considered safe,” Wiranto said to reporters after attending a Plenary Cabinet Meeting, at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Tuesday (23/4).

For this reason, the Coordinating Minister called on all parties to maintain security together with security apparatus, the national police and the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI).

“Do not elections divide us as a nation and cause disruption for our unity since election-related matters were already finished,” he continued.

“It is not worth it [to fight each other over political reason]. Do not let elections ruin our long-standing unity,” Wiranto once again emphasized, adding that the TNI and the Police have prepared for any worst case scenario that may disturb national security.

He also expressed gratitude that the two presidential candidates (Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto) had underlined the importance of maintaining peace and security, particularly to their supporters.

“We just have to wait the official result that will be announced by the General Election Commission (KPU) on 22 May 2019. The KPU is an independent institution,” the Coordinating Minister said.

Regarding negative activities during elections, he reminded that the Government has provided a number of agencies to resolve the issues based on type of violation and government level.

“Do not violate the laws and regulations as our country is a legal state,” he said while reminding those who violate the law or disturb public order will face legal consequences.

Regarding the mobilization of a number of the National Police’s Mobile Brigade (Brimob) personnel to Jakarta, Wiranto asked not to be worried because the decision was taken based on local security analysis in areas that need additional security forces. (AIT/JAY/ES)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Edited by: Mia Medyana