Rahel Narda Chaterine, Jakarta – Indonesia Madani Circle (LIMA) founder and director Ray Rangkuti has said that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo doesn’t deserve to receive the “Son of Reformasi” award. The issue went viral on social media after news circulated that the Trisakti University will give the award to Widodo.
“For those who want to do this, yes well please go ahead, but if you ask me, I’ll say it’s inappropriate”, said Rangkuti during a public discussion at the Tikum Restaurant in Ciputat, South Tangerang, on Sunday September 22.
According to Rangkuti, over the last month Widodo has demonstrated a zeal for fighting against the spirit of reformasi – the political reform process that began in 1998.
“The KPK [Corruption Eradication Commission] has been weakened, principles which were rejected by reformasi from the very start are being reintroduced in the RKUHP [draft Criminal Code]. From the land affairs law to numerous others which conflict with the spirit of reformasi. So it I think it’s inappropriate, after seeing this, it feels inappropriate if Jokowi is given the Son of Reformasi award”, said Rangkuti.
In addition to this, Rangkuti is also of the view that over the first five years of Widodo’s leadership, the ideas of reformasi which were developed by Indonesia’s 3rd president BJ Habibie have not been pursued.
“Reforming the bureaucracy hasn’t happened, reforming the police hasn’t happened, reforming the Attorney General’s Office hasn’t happened. Yet I think the continuation of reformasi means reforming these three things”, said Rangkuti.
The other reason according to Rangkuti, is that a reformasi award is an award for pursing and inspiring something. So it would be better if it is not too easy to claim that a person deserves the Son of Reformasi award.
“We have already seen the father of reformasi has failed. Has failed to be the father of reformasi. So don’t make it too easy to give away this reformasi award. Especially if it really hasn’t been [pursued] or inspired”, added Rangkuti.
Earlier the acting dean of the Trisakti University circulated a letter designated 339/AK.15/USAKTI/R/IX/2019 dated September 12, 2019, which was signed by Ali Gufron Mukti on the matter of giving the Son of Reformasi award to Widodo. (dnu/dnu)
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was “Jokowi Dinilai Tak Bisa Disebut Putera Reformasi karena Setuju UU KPK”.]
