Devif Sukarno, commonly known as De Wee, has made headlines with the establishment of her new political organization, the "12 (Wannyan) Peaceful Party," aimed at advocating for the protection and welfare of dogs and cats. This announcement, made during a press conference held on February 12, 2023, in Tokyo, positions her party as the first Japanese political entity focusing solely on animal welfare. Devif, who is the widow of Indonesia's founding president, Sukarno, outlines her ambition to bring pressing animal rights issues to the forefront of Japanese politics.
"We aim for a society where humans can coexist with dogs and cats," stated Devif during the press event, explaining her vision for the party. With sentiments around animal welfare rising, she emphasizes the need for legislation against the consumption of dog and cat meat, which remains legal and unregulated under current Japanese laws.
The impetus behind the creation of the "12 Peaceful Party" is not merely based on her lifelong advocacy for animal rights but is also rooted deeply within the cultural and societal perceptions of animal consumption. Devif has pointed out the existing discrepancies between Japan's stance on animal rights compared to neighboring countries where laws prohibiting such practices are well established. "I want to raise awareness of the reality of dog meat consumption, which many Japanese do not know about," she asserted, addressing the necessity of change.
The party's platform includes concrete proposals such as the legal prohibition of dog and cat meat consumption, establishing severe penalties for animal cruelty, and the objective to achieve zero euthanasia rates for stray animals. "Our most important theme is the clear legal prohibition of dog and cat meat consumption," she stressed, reinforcing her commitment to these goals.
With plans to contest seats in the upcoming summer Senate elections, Devif is also working on securing her Japanese citizenship, which she stated is necessary for her participation. "I have submitted my application for naturalization; once approved, I will stand for election," she noted, indicating her proactive approach toward her political role.
Devif's commitment is supported by seasoned political strategists, including Shinno Fujikawa, who serves as the party's election strategy chair. Fujikawa expressed optimism, declaring, "We aim for at least two to three seats, possibly five." He conveyed excitement about their approach, which is expected to engage voters on their single-issue platform effectively.
The party envisages utilizing their foundational stance on animal rights to resonate with the public atmosphere, which has shown compelling interest toward animal welfare. This exhilarating venture aims to reposition animal welfare not just as a social issue but as an integral part of the political narrative.
Devif Sukarno's emergence as a political force through the "12 Peaceful Party" symbolizes not only her personal dedication to animal welfare but also reflects broader societal changes aiming for harmonious coexistence between humans and animals within Japan. While her party may be categorized as a "single-issue party," its foundational ethos could be expected to influence other policies and generate important discussions around comprehensive animal rights legislation.
The formation of this political outfit has captured the attention of various media outlets and animal welfare activists, with many viewing it as potentially transformative for animal rights discourse within Japan. The political arena is witnessing this novel initiative at the cusp of transformative electoral politics, thereby heralding the potential for policy shifts not only aimed at animals but at fostering socio-political awareness among the electorate.
Through her compelling advocacy and the establishment of the "12 (Wannyan) Peaceful Party," Devif Sukarno stands at the intersection of activism and politics, aspiring to instigate reforms through legal empowerment, thereby reshaping the future of animal rights within Japan.