Title: PDI Perjuangan: Hasto Kristiyanto Warns of Power-Hungry Figures After Official’s Dismissal
In a stern warning, Sekjen PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) Hasto Kristiyanto has spoken out about power-hungry figures within the party who harbor ambitions to extend presidential terms beyond constitutional limits. This comes on the heels of a high-ranking party member being labeled a suspect in a corruption case involving Harun Masiku.
Without naming the individual, Hasto commented on the situation, drawing attention to the potential disregard for Indonesia’s constitution. "When various intimidation attempts surface, aiming to prevent the removal of a figure with power-hungry ambitions, it seems the constitution is at risk of being violated," Hasto stated.
He further warned about efforts to stretch presidential terms beyond two periods or to amend the constitution to allow for longer durations. "This threatens our democratic principles and the rule of law," he added.
Hasto, who initially criticized the enforcement of democracy and the suppression of citizens’ voices, drew parallels between current PDIP members and the party’s founding principles. He quoted from Cindy Adams’ biography of Bung Karno, suggesting that party members should be prepared to face persecution and imprisonment for their beliefs.
Hasto also addressed the intimidation tactics employed by those trying to silence him, including the use of law enforcement and the manipulation of state resources for political gain. He assured the public that PDIP will not back down in its defense of democratic values and the supremacy of law.
Despite not naming the implicated figure, speculation is rife that Hasto is referring to Joko Widodo, the former president who was recently ousted from PDIP. Jokowi, along with his son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and son-in-law Bobby Nasution, were all recently dismissed from the party. Jokowi maintained that he is not involved in the corruption case and has retired from politics.
