Daniel A. Fajri, Adil Al Hasan, Jakarta – The Coordinator of Presidential Special Staff Ari Dwipayana said President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is unbothered by the rising issue of impeachment.
"He's not quite bothered by this [impeachment] issue, since he's working as usual. Especially because governmental duties are becoming increasingly strenuous in 2024, there are many things the president needs to finish," he said on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
According to Ari, Indonesian citizens still believe in Jokowi, proven by a number of credible surveys that showcase public satisfaction above 75 percent. In addition, Jokowi's visits to regions are welcomed with high enthusiasm from the locals. "It's a sign that the president works for public interest," he said.
Earlier, a group of people naming themselves Petisi 100 or Petition 100 visited Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud Md in his office on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. They meant to report allegations of election violations and propose for Jokowi's impeachment.
The impeachment request came after Jokowi's alleged constitutional breach, including nepotism at the Constitutional Court and intervention at the Corruption Eradication Commission or KPK.
When called by Tempo on Friday, Jan. 12, Ari shrugged off the impeachment issue but reminded that several parties are exploiting the general elections slated next month.
"In a democratic country, expressing an opinion or criticism and political desires are legitimate. Especially in the middle of a political year, some always take this chance to use the impeachment narrative to further their electoral interest," he added.
Concerning the impeachment itself, Ari explained, has been regulated under the Constitution, involving various agencies such as the House of Representatives (DPR), the Constitutional Court, and the People's Consultative Assembly. Allegations of election violations, Ari went on, must also be examined and proven through a strict mechanism provided by the law.
Meanwhile, Mahfud Md explained to Petition 100 that the impeachment issue was not authorized by his ministry. "That's the business of political parties and DPR, not the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs," Mahfud said. The minister is also running for vice presidential candidacy along with Ganjar Pranowo.
The head of DPR Puan Maharani has received the impeachment aspirations. However, she highlighted that strong evidence that Jokowi has breached the law is required.
"Aspirations are welcomed, but what is the urgency?" she said on Tuesday.