The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) reaffirmed its neutral political stance and encouraged the implementation of honest, fair and peaceful elections. The affirmation of this stance was conveyed publicly at the 2023 Kadin National Leadership Meeting (Rapimnas), amid the political dynamics involving Kadin officials in the winning team of each of the 2024 presidential candidates.

The Acting Chairman of Kadin Indonesia, Yukki Nugrahawan Hanafi, said that as an organisation that serves as a forum for the business world as well as a government partner in economic development, Kadin ensures a neutral stance in the 2024 Election contestation without taking sides with one of the presidential candidates.

"Referring to the provisions in Article 1 of Kadin Law No.1/1987, Kadin Indonesia is a forum for Indonesian entrepreneurs and is engaged in the economy. Kadin Indonesia has never issued a suggestion, invitation or recommendation to members or anyone else to win a particular pair in the 2024 Election contestation. Regarding political preferences, Kadin Indonesia leaves freedom to members as the choice of each individual, not on behalf of Kadin," said Yukki (7/12/2023).

Yukki added, Kadin Indonesia also hopes and supports the implementation of elections that are in accordance with regulations, honest, fair and peaceful so that social, political and economic stability can be maintained.

"Election is a party of democracy so it must be carried out joyfully, without having to fight. Basically, elections are a place to compete with each other in order to build a more advanced Indonesia," said Yukki.

Vice Chairman for Organisation, Eka Sastra, said Kadin is a business organisation that plays an active role as a government partner in the economic sector. Kadin's Articles of Association also state that Kadin is independent, not a government organisation or a political organisation.

"In that regard, Kadin administrators should not involve themselves in practical political activities, although each individual has the right to determine the choice of colour and political path that must be taken. However, practical political activities followed by officials of an organisational position will in turn lead to conflict of interest and will be able to drag the name of the organisation concerned, and may have an impact on the organisation's position in the future," Eka said.

Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, Vice Chair of Kadin Indonesia for Maritime, Investment and Foreign Affairs, also reminded that 2024 is a political year with the political certainty of the election results affecting businesses in boosting business expansion and investment in Indonesia. According to her, in the short term, elections can contribute to economic growth as public consumption tends to increase.

"In the long term, the business world is watching and hoping for political stability for a peaceful election. Kadin is committed to neutrality in the elections. As the main parent organisation of entrepreneurs in Indonesia, Kadin focuses on economic growth and ensuring stable economic conditions. Rapimnas Kadin 2023 is a forum to formulate strategic thinking of the business world that is synergised with government programmes and regulations so as to encourage the strengthening and growth of the national economy," concluded Shinta.