Home Affairs Minister Tells Regional Heads to Take Leave during Campaign

Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo answers questions from reporters after attending Coordination Meeting with Profession and Security Division, at Sultan Hotel, Jakarta, Monday (25/2). (Photo: PR of Minister of Home Affairs)

Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo asserted that every regional head is obliged to exercise their political rights, including conducting a campaign as they were once also supported and chosen by a political party/political parties.

Therefore, the Minister affirmed that the regional heads may run a campaign for the 2019 Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates in this year’s election as long as they apply for leave in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations.

“A regional head may campaign according to the rules stipulated on Law Number 7 of 2017, Government Regulation (PP) Number 32 of 2018 and the General Election Commission Regulation (PKPU) on Conducting a Campaign,” Tjahjo explained.

Regarding the declaration of support for certain President-Vice President candidates by regional heads in a number of regions, Tjahjo said that although it is in accordance with the laws, the person must also consider the ethical issues.

To that end, he asked the regional heads to study the regulations of the KPU (General Election Commission) and the Bawaslu (Election Supervisory Board) to avoid any violations.

He also urged regional heads who participated in the campaign to apply work leave and not to use state facilities.

Provisions on regional head to take leave for campaign are stipulated in Government Regulation Number 32 of 2018 Article 35, Article 36, and Article 38 on Procedure of Resignation for the House of Representatives (DPR), the Regional Representatives Council (DPD), Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), President, and Vice President Candidacy, Requesting Permission for President and Vice President Candidacy, and Leave for General Election Campaign. (PR of Ministry of Home Affairs / ES)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Edited by: Muhardi
Proofread by: Yuyu Mulyani