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Text your say: Democracy under fire
Your comments on the walkout of Democratic Party lawmakers from the House of Representativesâ plenary session early on Friday, which put an end to the direct election of regional leaders
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our comments on the walkout of Democratic Party lawmakers from the House of Representatives' plenary session early on Friday, which put an end to the direct election of regional leaders. The majority of lawmakers, mobilized by the Red-and-White Coalition, supported an indirect system where regional leaders are elected by local legislative councils:
It's a betrayal of democracy. Pay attention to these traitors. Never elect anybody from these parties. Their only goal is power.
Ridwan AN
Yogyakarta
Now we know who betrayed the people. The President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's disappointment in the political process in the House is useless.
He acts as if he is the guardian of democracy, but actually he has thrown the trust of the people into the trash bin.
Cucu Perwira
Purwakata, West Java
Whether this is a democratic setback or not depends on what media you read or what TV channel you watch.
Some people don't care about democratization because they are struggling to make ends meet. Demonstrations depend on who pays who.
This issue is just a matter of the mind. If you don't mind, then it doesn't matter.
E Nurdin
Jakarta
After its success, Red-and-White Coalition will also make another maneuver in the House and I guess it will push to amend the Direct President Election Law. We are heading back to the New Order era.
Bambang Utomo
Jakarta
I strongly urge Indonesians to file a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court to regain their rights. The chances are that you'll win. I'm hoping and praying for you all.
However, after you win at the court, don't stop there. Please support the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) by keeping a close eye on your regional leaders and House members.
Iau Aro
I find the media a bit uncritical on this issue. Instead of merely putting all the blame on the President, the media should have been more critical and questioned everything.
Why didn't the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and its coalition perform a counter-maneuver by walking out?
Who's in charge in regard to the Democratic Party's decision making when the President is away? The United Development Party (PPP) and the National Mandate Party (PAN) are said to be leaning toward Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo's coalition, but why did this decision materialize?
Should Jokowi accept the two of them regardless? How can one govern when one has no majority in the House? So far all of these questions are unanswered.
Vader
If you cannot get a majority for your own proposal you have to vote on the one on the table. The walkout is the same as voting for the new law. Who is stupid enough not to see that?
For the first time, I've seen some people for who they really are. This is a devastating move.
Kantisini
The final decision was not representative of the voice of the Indonesian people.
If only the Democrats hadn't acted like a child.
Vandi Purba
Once again, there's only words, no action from the President. Maybe promises were made. Watch if any of his group is selected for major office over the next few years in the new 'election' system.
The parties in the Red-and-While Coalition will regret this decision. Wait until the next legislative election and see how they do.
The people need to be constantly reminded of what has been done to them and who has done it.
Jbl Nor
The people are different now and they will not forget. Jokowi has to continue to win the hearts of the populace in the next five years.
Valky Rie
Mr. President, are you really unaware of what your party members were supposed to be doing when vote was going on?
You should've known what your members were going to do at this critical juncture. Your expression of disappointment means that either your party members abandoned you, or you are trying to disguise the fact that you are not innocent in this incident.
Amy Wanderer
This story has been in newspapers across the world. Everyone is reading that Indonesia has scrapped democracy.
Yudhoyono looks like a man who has squandered his last hope of having a legacy as President. Let's hope Jokowi can clear up the mess made by this terrible fool.
Lasem Benny
I think the President is using a brilliant tactic. Soon he will file an objection to the Constitutional Court.
The court will cancel the House's decision, because we all know that the decision is contrary to the Constitution. Later, you all will turn and adore him.
Brighthen Aven
Yudhoyono can kiss goodbye to that international post he wants so much.
David
Let's just simply boycott and punish the political parties who supported the idea of indirect elections in the 2019 general election.
These parties have stolen our basic democratic right to directly elect our own leaders and thus, the supporters of indirect elections do not deserve to represent us anymore.
They are just representing the interests of their own political parties.
Alue Dohong
SMS
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was far from home when he was needed to prevent such an ugly development in the House plenary session.
With this victory, the Red-and-White Coalition is a step away from reaching its goal of scrapping direct presidential polls.
Where is it trying to lead us? And why is the President so complacent about it? Was he forced to agree to this walkout?
Moeljono Adikoesoemo
Jakarta
