Gov’t Ensures Smooth, Peaceful Elections

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto delivers his press statement after a Limited Meeting, at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (26/2). (Photo by: Jay/PR)

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto has assured that General Elections on 17 April 2019 will run smoothly and peacefully.

Therefore, he called on all Indonesians to stay in the country and cast their votes.

“There are many people who still believe in rumors that the elections will cause conflicts or riots and they are ready to leave the country. I can affirm that the rumor is a hoax aimed to disrupt the upcoming elections,” Wiranto told reporters after a Limited Meeting at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (26/2).

The Minister went on to say that he regularly coordinates with the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the General Election Commission (KPU), and the Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu) to ensure that the upcoming elections will run smoothly for the sake of national interest.

“The elections concern the dignity of all Indonesians,” he said.

Wiranto added that Polri had compiled election vulnerability index in terms of security. With that index, he said, the Government has mapped out regions considered prone to conflict during the elections and those which are not since 6 months ago. He added that security measures have also been taken to conflict-prone regions since 6 months ago.

The vulnerability index was also compiled by the Bawaslu regarding the elections and it includes matters relating to the transportation of ballots to polling stations, display of identity politics, and allegation of money politics.

“We have identified vulnerability index since months ago, so security personnel will be deployed to make the 2019 elections successful and safe,” Wiranto said.

Wiranto also urged the people not to trust the issue and called on people to cast their votes.  “You may travel abroad but after the election,” Wiranto concluded. (RAF/JAY/ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Muhardi/M. Ersan Pamungkas