Wiranto: Gov’t Won’t Interfere KPU, Bawaslu

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto accompanied by a number of officials gives a press conference at Ministry of Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Jakarta, Wednesday (24/4). (Photo: PR Division of Coordinating Ministry of Political, Legal and Security Affairs)

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto emphasized that the General Election Commission (KPU) and the Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu) are independent institutions, elected by the House of Representatives (DPR), and cannot be controlled by the Government.

Wiranto explained it as a respond to rumors saying that the Government together with the KPU and the Bawaslu conducted a structured, systematic and massive fraud in order to win one of Presidential-Vice Presidential candidates in the 2019 General Elections.

During a press conference at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Jakarta, Wednesday (24/4), the Coordinating Minister stressed that the accusation is very tendentious, defamatory, and baseless.

“The Indonesian Government never intended to interfere the two election institutions to win a certain candidate, as mentioned in the rumors” he once again stated, adding that the accusation is totally incorrect.

Thus, the public are expected not to believe misleading news, moreover, to hold actions that may disturb national peace and security.

“We must believe that the 2019 elections are the largest and most complicated elections in the world, with around 192 million voters in more than 810 thousand polling stations spread throughout Indonesia. It was also observed by numerous parties, including foreign observers. We even got appreciation from 33 countries for conducting smooth and peaceful such enormous event,” Wiranto explained.

He went on saying that the public should give appreciation to the KPU, the Bawaslu and security officers for their hard work.

“Therefore, it is very inappropriate to slander, insult, and make baseless accusations,” said Wiranto.

To continue its openness and neutrality, the Coordinating Minister added that the KPU is conducting a transparent calculation which can be accessed by anyone at any time. (Public Relation of Coordinating Ministry of Political, Legal and Security Affairs / ES)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Edited by: Mia Medyana