IO, Jakarta – The dynamic Indonesia political atmosphere has resulted in the appearance of various issues, one of which is the extension of the two-term limit of the presidency (10 years) to three terms, or 15 years in total. Democratic Party Secretary General Hinca Pandjaitan has stated that the Democratic Party rejects any plans for an extension on the current term limits on the presidency. “The Democratic Party’s attitude firstly fiercely rejects the appointing of the president by the People’s Consultative Assembly (Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat – “MPR”), fiercely reject the appointing of regional heads by the Regional House of Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah – “DPRD”. Meaning, (the party) rejects all indirect elections,” said Hinca after a cadet graduation of the Democratic Party Academy in JCC, Senayan, Jakarta on Wednesday (11/12/2019).
Hinca also stated that Democratic Party Chairman Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) asserted that the two-term limits on the presidency was ideal. “Because Mr. SBY just stated that enough is enough. Two terms are enough because we have experience in the history of the previous era,” said Hinca.
Meanwhile, SBY together with Democratic Party Deputy Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) during the graduation of the Democratic Party Academy cadets directed the cadets, who are now new members, to truly understand the party’s identity. “I only want to remind new Democratic Party members to understand the Democratic Party’s identity. Know the value, insights and principles carried out by the Democratic Party. Parties must have color, have idealism, have values, and fighting platform. Because, Inshallah, this party will be here forever,” said SBY during an event titled “Reflections on the Turn of the Year” in the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday (11/12/2019). SBY hopes that the graduating members will be loyal and capable in building the party. “Your journey is long, learn day by day, serve the people in totality through the Democratic Party,” said SBY.
The sixth Indonesian president then stated his wish that all Indonesians could know who the Democratic Party really are. “I want the Indonesia people to know what the Democratic Party is. The Democratic Party is a nationalist religious party since its inception in 2001. The democratic Party certainly loves the nation and country with national spirit, taste and insight,” said SBY.
SBY further stated that the Democratic Party was a national religious party that respected religiousness and pluralism. “The Democratic Party respects religious values in this country. The Democratic Party respects pluralism, as all are Indonesians,” said SBY.
On the same occasion, SBY explained the four main values of the Democratic Party. The four values are peace, justice, prosperity, and democracy. “Just hold on to that. The challenge isn’t easy. What’s important is not to faulter,” he said.
The Democratic Party Academy was the idea of Deputy Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY). Attending the graduation were 45 Democratic Party Academy graduates and around 300 participants from this first class of students. The graduates of the academy were directed to work as expert staff for Democratic party legislative members. During their bout in the academy, they received six months of education. “The idea for the Democratic Party Academy is a big large of the Democratic Party blueprint for the future progress and modernization of the party,” he stated. (Dan)