Govt should keep its promise to Yogya: DPD member

The central government should not abandon the commitment of the country’s founding fathers to grant Yogyakarta special status, a council member said.

“If the government forces the people of Yogyakarta to vote for their leaders, then it means the government has decided to abandon the earlier commitment of the country’s leaders to allow Yogyakarta a special status,” Regional Representatives Council (DPD) member Paulus Yohanes Sumeno said Wednesday.

Sumeno said the President’s remarks about a monarchy hampering democratic values were a bit misleading, as Sumeno had observed every process in the region was already performed in line with democratic principles.

“The only thing that may indicate the presence of a monarchy is that the people want their sultan to hold the post of governor. What is wrong with that, anyway?” he asked.

The people should rest assured that the DPD would safeguard their desire to have Sultan Hamengkubuwono and Sri Pakualam continue as governor and vice governor, Sumeno added.