No mass movement once election results announced: Academician

"You may not believe, but the results of the calculation are fast, but there are stages that must be passed. The final stage is the determination of candidates elected by the KPU," he said.

Academician from Muhammadiyah University of Kupang, Dr. Ahmad Atang, MSi believes large-scale mass movements hindering national security will end once the General Election Commission (KPU) announces the results of the Presidential Election (Pilpres).

"No large-scale movements will take place. With survey institutions conducting quick counts few hours after the 2019 simultaneous elections, mass tensions among supporters of the Presidential Candidate 02 had dropped by 50 percent," Atang informed Antara in Kupang on Sunday.

He made the statement in connection with President Prabowo Subianto claiming victory at the residence at Jalan Kertanegara IV, South Jakarta, Thursday night, and the likelihood of a mass movement after the results of the 2019 Presidential Election are declared.

According to Atang, mass tensions among supporters of the Subianto- Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno pair had fallen after several national survey institutions declared the quick count results of the 2019 Presidential Election.

Such mass tensions will steadily decline until the plenary appointment of the elected president and vice-president by the KPU.

Hence, any pandemonium arising during or after the appointment of the elected presidential and vice presidential candidates will only be triggered by paid criminal gangs.

"I view that it in no way hinders national security. With the announcement of quick count results, mass tensions among supporters of candidate pair 02 had plummeted 50 percent, and will show a steady drop until the KPU declares the winner. Hence, in case of a commotion arising, only criminal gangs are paid for inciting it," he pointed out.

Hence, Atang is optimistic that no further statements would be issued that could incite the already charged post-election atmosphere. He further appealed to all Indonesians to reconcile and stand united in maintaining the country's integrity.

He stated that Subianto claiming victory on Thursday night was an act of self-appeasement.

"This was a normal response, merely to appease oneself. The official results of the 2019 Election by the KPU, as the election organizer, are awaited," Atang remarked.

Atang believes that for Prabowo to be a good candidate to lead the nation, he must follow the electoral stages in line with the rules.

"You may not believe it, but computation of the results is quick, but some stages need to be cleared, with the final one being the KPU determining which candidate pair wins," he added.   EDITED BY INE