Home Affairs Minister: Public Crowds Limited during Regional Elections Period

Minister of Home Affairs delivers press statement on regional elections. (Photo: Minister of Home Affairs)

Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian has reminded that large crowds during every stage of regional head elections especially during the campaign period should be limited as much as possible.

“Big events such as general meetings and concerts are not allowed. I sent a letter to the General Election Commission (KPU) stating that Ministry of Home Affairs is against any events that may involve public crowd. However, we are aware that the incumbent candidates will benefit this policy as they already have loyal supporter,” Tito said in Jakarta, Sunday (20/9).

Therefore, Ministry of Home Affairs would like to provide opportunity for the non-incumbent candidates to get supports and votes by allowing a limited meeting but can only be attended by a maximum of 50 people and they must maintain physical distance.

“Another option is the candidates can arrange online campaign. Online campaign can be an effective tool as well since it can reach hundreds of thousands of people, and this is actually an opportunity for campaign event organizers. However, it may have some obstacles especially those who do not have access to internet, but national radio and television station such as RRI and TVRI can penetrate even in remote areas. Moreover, the candidates can still arrange a limited campaign in green zone areas,” Tito explained.

He went on to say that as long as the regional elections can be carried out well, it will become a golden momentum for 270 regions to choose the best candidates to handle COVID-19.

“Vote leaders who can handle this pandemic and can bring socio-economic impacts in their respective region. A campaign must still be carried out so that the public can elect the best leader who can solve this problem. This policy can also force the candidates to design various programs to handle COVID-19,” Tito added.

Therefore, he continued, regulations are needed to prevent crowds and to encourage the regional head candidates to carry out massive campaigns related to COVID-19 issues, for example distributing masks, promoting the use of hand sanitizers or soap or installing handwashing stations in public places. (Ministry of Home Affairs/EN)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: Yuyu Mulyani