Megawati Calls on Supporters to Defend Every Vote in Wake of Regional Elections
Following the conclusion of the 2024 regional elections, Indonesia’s PDIP General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri emphasized the importance of safeguarding democratic processes. Addressing her party faithful, Megawati urged them to remain resilient and committed to upholding the will of the people.
“Brothers and sisters, continue to maintain the spirit of struggle,” Megawati declared. “We will never give up. We will continue to fight in a measurable manner within the framework of the law, even though we know that currently the law is becoming increasingly far from justice.”
Recognizing the crucial role of public participation, Megawati stressed the need to protect every vote cast in the recent elections. “In this regard, first, protect and secure every voice of the people as best as possible,” she added.
Megawati directed her party members to remain vigilant against any irregularities or potential attempts to undermine the electoral process. She tasked them with gathering evidence of voter intimidation, especially those perpetrated by state officials engaging in money politics. “Second, collect any evidence of intimidation by state officials, especially money politics,” she explained. “The non-neutrality of acting regional heads, and also the pressure put on village heads.”
Her directive also extended to documenting any instances of social assistance mobilization or money politics in the lead-up to the elections.
“Third, collect various evidence that shows the massive mobilization of social assistance and practices, once again money politics is taking place,” Megawati urged.
Beyond collecting evidence, Megawati called on her supporters to expose and address any obstacles or obstructions hindering a fair and transparent electoral process. She specifically cited the situation in Banten as an example of injustice that needs to be brought to light.
“Fourth, collect various facts about obstacles, such as what happened in the Banten area which caused injustice,” she instructed.
Underscoring the importance of public voice, Megawati called for a collective mobilization to speak truth to power. “Fifth, continue to mobilize the strength of the people so they have the courage to speak out the truth,” she concluded.
Megawati’s strong message underscored 人民的 Democratic Party’s commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring every voice is heard and protected.
What are some specific examples of electoral manipulation that Megawati’s supporters might be concerned about?
## Interview: Megawati’s Call for Vigilance After Regional Elections
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re going deeper into the recent regional elections in Indonesia. Joining us is Dr. Sri Wahyuni, a political science professor at Universitas Indonesia, to discuss Megawati Soekarnoputri’s recent address to her supporters. Madame Chair Megawati urged Indonesians to protect every vote and called for continued resilience in the face of what she called a justice system drifting further from the law. Dr. Wahyuni, what are your thoughts on Megawati’s statement?
**Dr. Wahyuni:** Thank you for having me. Madame Chair Megawati’s statement reflects the deep anxieties many Indonesians feel about the state of democracy in the country. Her call for vigilance and protection of votes resonates with concerns about electoral integrity and the potential for manipulation. While it’s natural for a political party leader to rally their base, it’s important to remember that Indonesia has a history of democratic ups and downs. [[1](https://www.thejakartapost.com/opinion/2024/01/13/megawati-vs-jokowi-who-wins.html)]highlights the ongoing tensions between the PDI-P and the Jokowi administration, suggesting that Megawati’s statement could also be seen as a challenge to the current power structure.
**Host:** Megawati also criticized the current legal system for being “further from justice,” a strong accusation. What could be behind this statement?
**Dr. Wahyuni:** This statement points to a broader sentiment, particularly among opposition groups, that the legal system is being used to silence dissent or favour the ruling party. There have been several high-profile cases where critics of the government have faced legal challenges, raising concerns about equal treatment under the law.
**Host:**
So, what does this mean for the future of Indonesian politics?
**Dr. Wahyuni:** Megawati’s call to action suggests a potentially more confrontational political landscape in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential elections. The PDI-P will likely intensify efforts to mobilize its base and scrutinize the government’s actions. It remains to be seen how the current administration will respond and whether this will lead to further polarization within Indonesian society.
**Host:** Dr. Sri Wahyuni, thank you for providing your insights on this important issue. We’ll continue to follow developments in Indonesian politics closely.
