Turkish Ambassador Stresses Importance of Democracy on Coup Anniversary

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Turkish Ambassador to Indonesia, Talip Kucukcan, said the commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the coup attempt in Turkey is a moment to reaffirm the importance of safeguarding democracy and strengthening state institutions.

“The coup attempt of 15 July 2016 serves as a lesson about the importance of protecting democracy,” Ambassador Talip said at the commemoration of Democracy and National Unity Day on 15 July in Jakarta on Wednesday.

According to him, democracy can only be preserved through strong institutions and legitimate processes of governance.

Ambassador Talip emphasised that political change must be pursued through democratic mechanisms, not through violence or the misuse of religion and ideology for political interests.

He added that democracy is a shared responsibility of all elements of society, not solely of the government or the president.

Therefore, all members of society need to play a role in safeguarding the democratic system so that it continues to function well and is able to face various threats to the stability of the state.

Meanwhile, speaking via video link, Turkish Presidential Communications Chief Burhanettin Duran said the commemoration of 15 July 2016 marks one of the most unforgettable turning points in the nation’s history.

“The resistance of the people, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on that night, proved that the will of the people cannot be conquered by any force,” he said.

According to Duran, 15 July 2016 was the day when the Turkish people defended the will of the nation, its independence, and the sovereignty of the state.

Under President Erdogan’s leadership, the courage, wisdom, and uncompromising resistance of the Turkish people showed the world that the people’s will cannot be enslaved by any power, he said.

“The steadfastness of the people on that night not only thwarted the coup attempt, but also became a turning point that secured the future of Turkey and its democratic journey,” he said.