Dian Erika Nugraheny, Jakarta – The Association of Indonesian Village Governments (APDESI) says that following the Lebaran holidays at the end of the Ramadan fasting month it will declare its support for President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo serving a third presidential term.
This was conveyed by APDESI Central Leadership Board (DPP) Chairperson Surtawijaya when he met with journalists following the APDESI 2022 National Meeting, which was held at the Senayan Sports Centre in Jakarta on Tuesday March 29.
"After Lebaran we will declare (our support for President Widodo serving a third term). Our colleagues at the lower levels, right, this isn't a story, it's a fact, no matter who their superiors are, this isn't just etiquette, it will be announced, a declaration of what we want", he said.
Surtawijaya explained that Widodo has granted many requests from village heads so they believe that the head of state cares about the villages.
"Currently we have a reciprocal relationship, he cares about us. This is our hope, who knows if in the future everything will be better. Our colleges earlier agreed to three terms. Continue [the Widodo presidency]", he asserted.
Surtawijaya also revealed that they had been ready to make the declaration at the national meeting today, however the plan was prohibited by the minister present and the presidential security detail (Paspampres).
"Earlier we wanted [to declare it] today. [But] it was completely prohibited. I'm tired of being forbidden from here and there. But I understand. The Paspempres it'll be worse if I'm in front, I was told 'don't talk about this'. I'm tired", he asserted.
As reported earlier, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan held a question and answer session with village heads and village officials from throughout Indonesia as part of the APDESI national meeting in Jakarta.
During the session, one of the representatives of village officials from Aceh province named Muslim shouted out his support for President Widodo serving a third term in office.
Initially, Muslim was asking about the management of the Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL). He said that he hoped that Widodo could shift responsibility for the management of the park from the North Sumatra capital of Medan to Aceh.
Because of this, Muslim said he hoped that Panjaitan could convey the wishes of the Acehnese people to the president.
After asking the question, Muslim suddenly shouted out that Widodo should serve a third term.
"Please, this is a request from us to Bapak [Mr Widodo]. I'm sure Bapak can grant it and Pak [Mr] President can grant it. Jokowi for a third term, agreed?", shouted out Muslim at the end.
"Agreed", replied the other participants.
Hearing this call, Pandjaitan did not make any kind of verbal response. He just smiled upon hearing the call.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "APDESI Bakal Deklarasi Dukung Jokowi 3 Periode Setelah Lebaran".]
