If the political elite and civil society work together to produce a framework of Indonesia’s future political system in the future, destiny will smile.
By
J Kristiadi
·5 minutes read
KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO (KUM) 18-04-2013
J Kristiadi
The funny idea to postpone the 2024 general elections has garnered pointed criticism and high resistance from civil society, academics, community leaders, and several political parties. Even President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo had repeatedly rejected such an idea since the beginning (2019). He deliberately articulated his opposition to the idea in a straightforward manner because he wanted to convince the public that he obeys and adheres to the Constitution, and that he upholds the nobility and marwah (dignity) of democratic values.
Postponing the 2024 general elections will open a door to authoritarianism, which will lead the nation and the country to ruin. Unfortunately, there are still many state officials and politicians lauding justifications for deviant propositions that will only leave democracy more fragile, so the public doubts the steadfastness of the president's refusal.
The lesson behind the careless proposal reveals the subconscious phenomenon of officials, political elites, and a handful of other people that still crave "strong" people who will steer the sovereign power of the people. Such a delusion occasionally appears in political contests by generating a false view of the strength of the New Order, which, incidentally, did not only monopolize power but also dominated truth.
In fact, history has shown that the many countries that crave and admire “superhero” leaders fail to manage democratic governance. The fact is that the public is easily enchanted by a figure who behaves and appears attractive, is clever in performing acrobatic tricks with words, is indulgent with rhetoric and acts like a hero. This type of creature will never be competent at managing political turmoil, especially if accompanied by a flaming ambition for power. Leaders that command logic and take shortcuts accompanied by violence are only criticized by the people.
Usually, this syndrome arises when the public is unnerved by complicated and urgent problems that need to be resolved immediately. This dream appears increasingly attractive when the public feels helpless and is swallowed by endless fear, so they seek a protector.
At this point, the public fantasizes about having a champion like Rambo, a very powerful but imaginary champion that can solve all problems.
Since politics is a realm where interests collide, interests that range from noble aspirations to provocative intentions, the architecture of power of a democratic state does not need a superhero, but a figure who is diligent, patient, persistent and able to manage policy execution so it is truly implemented. Competency is needed to manage and overcome complex problems that are highly complex and dilemmatic.
Dim light of reform
Initially, it all started with high hopes due to the success of civil society in toppling the New Order regime. The cost was very high. The tragedy carried nuances of racial hatred that threatened to bankrupt civilization. The number of casualties and injured was estimated to reach from the hundreds to thousands of people. Tragically, their sacrifice remains an eternal mystery.
As time passed, reforms that were not accompanied by spirit and in-depth concepts about the architecture of democratic power resulted in a stuttering process of political transformation. The energy of reform faded in the political storm of money politics and political dynasties.
Therefore, there is a dearth of competent institutions that can accommodate and manage the various interests and aspirations of the people. The state is not controlled by institutions, but by bandar (illegal operators) and political brokers suspected of having unlimited secret funds. Unguided democracy is guaranteed to fill the public space with noise, excessive illusions, delusions, and prejudice.
Reformasi (reform) has virtually become a logo to produce oligarchic agents, so democratization has experienced resistance to change and become increasingly fragile; what remains is only the romance of democracy. Civil groups have scattered to find channels and their own ways to distribute the heap of expectations; the potential of democracy has become trapped in anarchy.
Unfortunately, these romantics have triggered the stimulation of a stunning, powerful sensation. Everyone imagines democracy according to their tastes and imagination. It is not surprising that democracy is embraced and nurtured by many countries. However, to embrace the goddess of democracy carries high costs and requirements, especially in the capacity of the political elite to encourage equality and possess high empathy, extra hard work, diligence, care, and dedication to realize mutual happiness.
The discourse surrounding the postponement of the 2024 general elections serves as a lesson that the dream about a "strong" leader still remains in the subconscious of various circles. The effort to build an architecture and structure of civilized power is an urgent agenda. If the political elite and civil society work together to produce a framework of Indonesia’s future political system in the future, destiny will smile.
J. KRISTIADI, Senior Researcher, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jakarta
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