The people really hope that elections will return to their "roots" as a contestation that produces figures who glorify the interests of the people. Not idols that produce disasters.
By
J KRISTIADI
·5 minutes read
KUM
J Kristiadi
It is almost certain that the 2020 local elections will be held simultaneously in December amid the rampage of the Covid-19 epidemic, which has not been tamed. In fact, Covid-19 transmissions are widespread and the number of cases has only grown (Kompas, 22/6/2020). The task of the General Election Commission in the regions will be harder and more complicated because they have to apply health protocols at every stage so as not to increase the number of people exposed to the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
The hard work of the election organizers deserves appreciation. But unfortunately, in the lead up to the 2020 elections, public discussion has been dominated by talks about the instruments of the election, rules of the game and procedures. Other crucial issues, such as rampant transactional politics, strengthening political dynasties and bureaucratic politicization, tend to be left out. The issue of politicization of social assistance, political party reform, decentralization and asymmetric elections, concurrent elections, political party subsidies and the like are always marginalized in the lead up to local elections or Pilkada.
So, even though it has been done thousands of times, because it is not accompanied by spirits and big ideas as a reference for the improvement of regulations, it is difficult to produce ideal local leadership. In fact, hundreds of regional heads and deputy regional heads have been convicted and sent to jail. It seems there are signs that the number of those with the same fate has only multiplied. Letting the elections be mere ritual ceremonies without noble values will produce bad behavior and the disaster will be considered normal.
Elections can transform into idol stages.
As a result, political decay has nearly paralyzed the foundation of governance. The situation has become increasingly worrisome because of the spread of conservative ideology that erodes the ability of public service institutions to carry out their functions. Elections can transform into idol stages.
In fact, the main objective of shifting the election of local heads from an election by the Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) to a direct local election is, first, to produce competent regional leaders, both in terms of leadership, knowledge and integrity in serving the people. Second, sharpening the sensitivity of the regional head\'s empathy to the will, hopes and concerns of the people. Third, the actualization of representation of local interests so that regional policies favor the people\'s specific interests. Fourth, increase the competitiveness of regional independence in accordance with regional excellence and wisdom.
Yet, the future of local elections is not without hope. The improvement of local elections through revisions of regulation gained momentum with the ruling of the Constitutional Court (MK) No. 55/PUUXVII/2019. In its legal considerations, paragraph [3.16], pages 323-324, the Court established six election options. Many people argue that the fourth alternative deserves further elaboration because it is in line with the public discourse that had been advocated a few years earlier about strengthening the presidential system with a concurrent election scheme. The option reads: "Simultaneous national elections to elect members of the House of Representatives (DPR), Regional Representatives Council (DPD), president and vice president; and some time afterwards there will be simultaneous local elections to elect members of the provincial DPRD, regency/city DPRD, governor and regents or mayors".
If the elucidation of the 2024 election regulation is in accordance with the Constitutional Court\'s ruling, the 2024 election can form an effective presidential government because it would be supported by the ruling parties in the legislative institutions.
One important agenda is to regulate in more detail the organization of the elections. One alternative is, for example, a national election will be held first. In the second year, the local elections will elect the people\'s representatives for the regional legislative institutions and the election of regional head is held based on the grouping of particular island regions. For example, the second year specifically will be an election in the island of Sumatra. Third year, in Java Island; fourth year in Bali and Kalimantan. While the fifth year in other regions. With this scheme it is hoped that every year the political parties will always work in order to get voter support. Besides, it will allow voters to evaluate the performance of the government and political parties regularly every year.
In a discussion at the CSIS Webinar, Monday (8/6/2020), young politicians from several political parties voiced various ideas about improving the regulation of the political contestation to fit the ideals of the Constitution. Among other things, the idea of harmonization and cohesion of various regulations that govern the powers of the state and the government in one cluster was raised so that it would be more comprehensive, while avoiding overlapping. These various regulations, for example, include the election and regional election law, the political party law and the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), DPR, DPRD and DPD Law and laws relating to political products, namely the regional administration law, the village administration law, the DPRD law, and the law on central government and regional administration relations.
Those various ideas need to be broadened further. Thus, it would trigger a quality public debate and, later, it can be compiled into an academic text as a guideline for formulating regulations on the 2024 election, which has begun to be discussed in the House.
Therefore, we need a team consisting of various groups, such as academics, researchers, observers, bureaucracy and community leaders, to gather ideas that are spread in the community. At this point, the home minister must be the guide and engine who mobilizes other ministries and engages the public to be actively involved in mobilizing those ideas and thoughts.
The people really hope that elections will return to their "roots" as a contestation that produces figures who glorify the interests of the people. Not idols that produce disasters.
