Election Can Determine Nation’s Destiny, Wiranto Says

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto talks as Keynote Speaker at Coordination and Synchronization Forum in Padang City, West Sumatera, Wednesday (6/2). (Photo: PR of Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs)

General election aims to elect leaders for the people to govern the country and represent the people in making decisions for the next five years, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto has said.

“In my opinion, an election is not just an opportunity to choose leaders, but also to determine the nation’s destiny for the next five years,” Wiranto said during the Coordination and Synchronization Forum with the theme ‘Implementation of Pancasila Values in Strengthening Nation’s Unity Ahead of 2019 Election’ in Padang City, West Sumatra, Wednesday (6/2).

Wiranto went on saying that Indonesian is a democratic country where sovereignty is in the hands of the people. However, he added, since the people cannot lead themselves, there are elected representatives to channel the people’s opinions and to govern the country as mentioned in the fourth principle of the Pancasila (five principles of the state ideology of Indonesia) that is “Democracy, led by the wisdom of the representatives of the people”.

The Minister also emphasized that a leader, including the President, the Governor, the Regent and the Mayor, is an instrument of the people to achieve welfare and prosperity.

Furthermore, Wiranto reminded the people to choose a good leader who is qualified and has a high competence in the upcoming elections. He cited Prophet Muhammad as the best example of good leader with his qualities including siddiq (truthfulness), amanah (trustworthiness), fathonah (wisdom) and tabligh (advocacy). He also reminded intellectuals and educated people to enlighten the public not to fight among each other and be divided due to different political preferences.

“Choose a good leader for the betterment of the nation for the next five years,” Wiranto said.

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Edited by: M. Ersan Pamungkas