Fajar Pebrianto, Jakarta – The Presidential Staff Office (KSP) representative on Wednesday responded to the declaration plan of support for President Jokowi's presidential term extension by the Indonesian Village Government Association (APDESI) after Eid.
The association on Tuesday revealed its plan after meeting the President in an event dubbed the National Village Silaturahmi (communal bonding) held at Istora Senayan, Jakarta.
Meanwhile, KSP expert staff Ali Mochtar Ngabalin on March 30 claimed that the association's support for Jokowi was not organized by the Presidential Staff Office. "We did not coordinate with them," said Ngabalin on March 30.
APDESI chairperson Surtawijaya said that the association needs to declare their support as they view that Jokowi had fulfilled their aspiration. "He cares for us, and we have to show [mutual support]. Who knows if the future will be better. We agreed just now that [President Jokowi] must continue for a third term," said the APDESI chair on March 29.
Ngabalin argued that the village leaders have the right to express their opinions but maintained that President Jokowi will remain true to the constitution. The KSP expert staff also denied that the event was coordinated by the President, Coordinating Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, or the government.
"That is just impossible," said Ngabalin.