On multiple occasions, Jokowi has publicly stated his intention of adhering to the Constitution, which restricts presidents to two, five-year terms. But then why did National Awakening Party (PKB) chairman Muhaimin Iskandar, his National Awakening Party counterpart Zulkifli Hasan and Golkar Party leader Airlangga Hartarto almost simultaneously move to tempt Jokowi to take the unpopular – and unconstitutional – option? Are they playing the role of devil’s advocates or voicing the wishes of their constituents?

An investigative report by cnnindonesia.com contends that the party elites were simply executing the order of Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan upon Jokowi's approval. The news portal reported that the postponement of the elections was sought because the pandemic had slowed some of the administration’s signature projects, including the capital city’s relocation.

Government officials have flatly denied the report, but neither Jokowi nor Luhut has commented on the matter. Jokowi in particular needs to speak up, yet again, and call for an end to the time-wasting discourse. There are many other pressing tasks that will require the nation to devote its full attention and resources, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its dire impacts on public health and the economy. Alongside these issues, Indonesia must prepare for the adverse impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and for the worst-case scenario: if the conflict escalates into a head-on collision between Russia and NATO.

The country’s two largest parties by popular vote, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Gerindra Party, have publicly rejected any plan to delay the elections and thereby extend Jokowi’s term. But we do not know for sure whether they would eventually jump on the bandwagon if the potential benefits were too difficult to resist.

The nation has reached a milestone consensus on the limitation of the presidential term as part of the sweeping reforms of more than 20 years ago. We have lived under two dictators, who ruled for 53 years combined, and must never again fall into that same mire – for whatever reason.

Since 1999 we have held democratic legislative elections, and since 2004 we have elected the president and vice president directly as we have strengthened our democratic culture. The agreement reached between the government, the House of Representatives and the General Elections Commission (KPU) to set the date of legislative and presidential elections for Feb. 14, 2024, should stand, and our commitment to popular sovereignty should be upheld.

Rather than seeking every path to prevent the election from taking place according to schedule, political elites should help the KPU clear all hurdles so that it can administer free and fair polls that will make the country’s democracy more robust.

Jokowi, you must listen to the people. Surveys have found that the majority of Indonesians are satisfied with your performance, but they have also found that voters do not want the elections to be rescheduled. Plase don’t betray their trust.