Moch. Fiqih Prawira Adjie, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is set to award two former House of Representatives deputy speakers, Gerindra Party member Fadli Zon and People's Wave Party (Gelora) politician Fahri Hamzah, with Bintang Mahaputera Nararya medals, one of the country's highest civilian honors, a minister has said.
Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD posted Monday on his verified Twitter account, @mohmahfudmd, that the two would receive the medals in conjunction with the celebration of Indonesia's 75th independence anniversary on Aug. 17 this year for their "struggle and merit".
According to the 2009 Titles, Honors and Awards Law, Bintang Mahaputera medals are bestowed on individuals who have demonstrated distinguished service in various fields that contribute significantly to the state and the nation's development, welfare and prosperity.
"The awarding of Bintang Mahaputera to Fadli Zon and Fahri Hamzah is in accordance with the applicable regulations. Former chairmen or deputy chairmen of a state institution, former ministers and those of the same level will receive a service star if they have finished their duty within one office term," Mahfud wrote in one of his tweets.
Bisa dijelaskan bhw pemberian bintang Mahaputra kpd Fadli Zon dan Fahri Hamzah adl sesuai dgn peraturan yang berlaku. Mantan ketua/wakil ketua lembaga negara, mantan menteri dan yang setingkat mendapat bintang jasa spt itu jika selesai tugas dlm satu periode jabatan. – Mahfud MD (@mohmahfudmd) August 10, 2020
The President will also give the award this August to former Supreme Court chief justice Hatta Ali and former National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) head Suhardi Alius, among others. Twenty-two medical workers who died during the COVID-19 pandemic will also receive a service award star, he continued.
Presidential Secretariat head Heru Budi Hartono also said on Monday that the decision to award Bintang Mahaputera Nararya to Fadli and Fahri had been made by following set selection procedures in accordance with prevailing laws, kompas.com reported.
The two politicians previously served as House deputy speakers in the 2014-2019 term, during which Fadli and Fahri represented the Gerindra Party and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), respectively. Both figures were, during the period, known as outspoken opposition figures and critics of Jokowi's policies.
Fadli is currently still serving as a lawmaker in the House for the 2019-2024 term, while Fahri cofounded Gelora after he left the PKS.