Jakarta – Presidential candidate Anies Baswedan says he is optimistic about winning the upcoming election, saying that people are becoming more aware of the need for change.

"Those who already have established livelihoods ask why there should be a change. However, we have witnessed that the atmosphere of our democracy has shifted in the past few months," said Anies in South Lampung, Lampung, on Sunday, as quoted by Tirto.id.

According to Anies, there are several reasons why the people demand change. The first reason is that they realize how the law has been bent. One of the examples being the Constitutional Court's decision on the presidential and vice presidential candidates' age limit.

People also realize that the law is often used as a tool of power, with Anies citing the poor handling of corruption cases by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

Anies also promised to reduce household living costs if he won the election.

"I am getting more optimistic. Once again I emphasize that we are fighting for lower living costs and easier employment. Those are our main struggles," said Anies.

The presidential hopeful then promised to improve damaged road infrastructure in Lampung by building toll roads and non-toll roads.

Anies also pledged to resolve agrarian conflicts in the country after listening to complaints from local farmers. According to one of the farmers, the agrarian conflict in his neighborhood was related to a dispute over planting trees in protected forest areas, even though the planting had been going on for decades. As a result, four people are currently detained in prison.

"[Problems] among ordinary people are always [being made] complicated. Must there be a difficulty in solving this issue? It's a matter of willingness, nothing is difficult," said Anies.

He said he was committed to providing legal protection, which would allow people to open agricultural land and produce food supplies. He insisted that the government should realize that the land belongs to the people.

Source: https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2024/01/15/anies-optimistic-about-winning-election.htm