Kalla conveyed his message to Secretary General of the Central Board of the Lembang Sembilan Institute Eva Kusuma Sundari at the Vice President`s Office on Thursday.
"He conveyed and reminded that the theme of the meeting of national leaders will focus on developing Indonesia`s economy amid the years of politics since during this period, people tend to talk but forget about work," Sundari noted after meeting Kalla in Jakarta on Thursday.
Sundari remarked that during the meeting, Kalla emphasized that political campaigning should also highlight the economic theme, so that it can help to grow the economy of Indonesia.
"According to Kalla, the most effective campaign is to boost economic performance, especially economic growth," she pointed out.
Lembang Sembilan Institute, a non-profit research institute established in 2003, reported the results of last year`s review to Kalla and sought his presence at the meeting to be held on Feb 25-27.
"We seek Kalla`s directions for the upcoming study. In particular, as we enter the years of politics, we seek advice on what we should do during these important years," she stated.
Earlier, Indonesia had successfully organized smooth, peaceful, fair, and democratic simultaneous regional head elections (pilkada) twice, so the nation is optimistic of repeating this feat in its upcoming pilkada.
The third pilkada will be organized simultaneously in 171 regions, comprising 17 provinces, 39 municipalities, and 115 districts across the country on June 27, 2018.
The number of eligible voters for the pilkada 2018 reaches 158 million, or some 80 percent of the total number of eligible voters for the presidential and legislative elections in 2019, which is some 197 million.
President Joko Widodo has called on all elements of society to maintain fraternity and national unity, as the country welcomes the regional elections.
"This year, we are entering the year of politics, and we need to be aware of this, so that we can all maintain unity and fraternity in order to ensure smooth implementation of this celebration of democracy," he emphasized.
He has also urged all candidates to maintain healthy competition and avoid black campaigns and fake news, so that the elections could be held peacefully and smoothly.
Reported by Fransiska Ninditya
(T.M052/A/KR-BSR/O001)
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
