Bawaslu to Investigate Distribution of Prabowo‘s Endorsement Letter During Jakarta’s Campaign Hush Hour
The Indonesian Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) is taking action in response to the circulation of a letter from President Prabowo Subianto promoting the Ridwan Kamil-Suswono pair for Jakarta’s gubernatorial election. The letter, distributed during the mandated quiet period preceding the election, has prompted an investigation into its origins and dissemination.
“We will investigate the person who spread it,” Bawaslu Head Rahmat Bagja stated.
However, Bagja emphasized that the agency would not seek clarification from President Prabowo himself. “You have support as Gerindra (party) chairman but you still have to look at the calm period or the campaign period,” Bagja explained, acknowledging Prabowo’s role as head of the Gerindra Party.
The Bawaslu’s focus lies in determining who distributed the letter during the illegal period. The agency will convene a plenary session with experts to identify those involved. “We will definitely clarify related matters,” Bagja stated, further explaining that the identities of those to be summoned would be determined after the plenary session.
Bawaslu’s investigation will focus on uncovering where the letter was written and the individuals involved in its spreading. Bagja added, “Full Indonesian Bawasu,” emphasizing the scope of the investigation.
While the agency hasn’t determined whether a violation occurred, it will review when the letter was written and circulated. Bagja clarified that this involved understanding how the campaign material spread, probing whether it was relegated to social media platforms during the quiet period or if it was a replication of the original letter.
The letter, attributed to Prabowo Subianto and addressed to the people of Jakarta, extolls the importance of giving his chosen candidates a vote. He likened Jakarta
to a driving force that shapes national development.
Prabowo stated his firm belief that experienced bureaucrats like Kamil and Suswono are crucial to leading Jakarta effectively. In the letter, he passionately appeals to voters to
elected the pair: “use your right to vote – help your country, help your nation – so victory comes for pair number one, HM Ridwan Kamil and H Suswono – as Governor and Deputy Governor of Jakarta for the next 5 years.”
Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, the Gerindra Party’s Daily Chair, confirmed the letter’s authenticity, stating, “I have checked that the letter was really issued by Pak Prabowo as General Chair or Chair of the Gerindra Party Advisory Board which is nominating candidates Ridwan Kamil and Suswono,” he told Antara news agency.
What are the potential consequences for those found responsible for distributing campaign material during the quiet period?
## Silence is Golden? Bawaslu Investigates Presidential Endorsement Letter
**[NEWS ANCHOR]**
Good evening, and welcome back. We’re joined now by Bawaslu Head Rahmat Bagja to discuss the ongoing investigation into the distribution of a controversial endorsement letter. Mr. Bagja, welcome to the program.
**[RAHMAT BAGJA]**
Thank you for having me.
**[NEWS ANCHOR]**
Let’s get straight to it. The letter attributed to President Prabowo Subianto, seemingly endorsing Ridwan Kamil and Suswono for Jakarta Governor, surfaced during the campaign hush hour. This has caused quite a stir. Can you tell us what measures Bawaslu is taking?
**[RAHMAT BAGJA]**
Certainly. We are treating this matter with utmost seriousness. The distribution of any campaign material during the designated quiet period is a clear violation of electoral regulations. Our primary focus now is identifying the individual or group responsible for disseminating this letter.
**[NEWS ANCHOR]**
Understandably. Now, President Prabowo is also Chairman of the Gerindra Party, which supports the Kamil-Suswono candidacy. Will Bawaslu seek clarification from the President himself regarding this endorsement?
**[RAHMAT BAGJA]**
While we acknowledge President Prabowo’s political affiliation, our investigation will focus strictly on the dissemination of the letter during the prohibited period. We will not be seeking clarification from him directly.
**[NEWS ANCHOR]**
So, the investigation will concentrate on finding the individuals directly involved in distributing the letter, regardless of any party affiliations?
**[RAHMAT BAGJA]**
Precisely. We must uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
**[NEWS ANCHOR]**
Mr. Bagja, thank you for your insights and for shedding light on this important matter. We await the findings of your investigation.
**[RAHMAT BAGJA]**
Thank you.
