Mr Ganjar emphasized the importance of maintaining political morality and refraining from criticizing either side of the administration. He urged his supporters to foster mutual respect and avoid mutual criticism, believing that this approach can elevate the correct approach to politics. He also highlighted the role of parliament as the appropriate platform for expressing criticism and providing effective oversight of the government.
Former running mate of Mr Ganjar, Mr Mahfud MD, affirmed his commitment to advancing democracy through various platforms, including political parties and movements. He emphasized the significance of political movements transcending political parties and emerging from civil society, organizations, and the media. Mr Mahfud expressed his intention to revive civil society to provide a unified front for building democracy in Indonesia and to address weaknesses in the current legal system.
Mr Mahfud also plans to resume teaching at a university to rectify perceived shortcomings in the legal system, particularly pointing out the lack of ethical standards in conducting affairs. He highlighted the importance of laws not being molded to serve the short-term interests of certain elites, stressing the need for correction in this area. Mr Mahfud aims to oversee legal matters, especially in the courts, to ensure that laws evolve through the appropriate processes and to organize supporters for the country’s safety.
Mr Ganjar has previously indicated his intention to oppose the Prabowo government, as he rejected any offer to be part of the administration earlier in March. Their presidential election team with Mr Mahfud secured over 16 percent of the votes in the February election, coming in third behind Mr Prabowo and Mr Gibran with 59 percent of the votes, as well as Mr Anies Baswedan and Muhaimin Iskandar with about 25 percent of the votes. The Ganjar-Mahfud team’s stance suggests a commitment to their principles and a willingness to take a stand against the current administration.
