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Jakarta voters can demonstrate Indonesia's democratic maturity: Minister
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Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan (third from right) meets with lawmakers during a working visit to the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Sept.22. (Antara/Puspa Perwitasari)
T
hrough a safe and peaceful runoff election, Jakarta voters can show the US that democracy is well maintained in Indonesia, a senior minister has said.
“The US Vice President [Mike Pence] will arrive in Jakarta. Let’s show that our democracy is running well whatever the result will be,” said Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan as quoted by tribunnews.com in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The minister was speaking after he cast his ballot in the Jakarta gubernatorial runoff election at polling station TPS 03 in East Kuningan, Setiabudi, South Jakarta.
Pence’s visit, slated for April 20 to 21, is expected to boost strategic ties between Indonesia and the US.
(Read also: VP Pence to visit Indonesia, meet Jokowi)
Luhut said that during his visit to Indonesia Vice President Pence aimed to discuss bilateral cooperation between the two countries, including in the field of politics. Several other issues such as the South China Sea territorial disputes, Indonesia’s democratic maturity and economic issues would also be discussed.
“Matters related to [US-based gold and copper mining] Freeport certainly will be discussed but I think that’s just a minor issue. This is because Indonesia’s position on Freeport is clear, we will adhere to existing rules. We will not disregard any agreement that we have signed,” said Luhut. (dis/ebf)
