The presidential election is less than two years away. Even the annual Idul Fitri tradition of mudik (exodus) was used strategically. Silaturahmi (brotherhood, kinship) was also used in the art of politics.
By
KOMPAS EDITOR
·3 minutes read
DOKUMENTASI ANGGA RAKA PRABOWO
Prabowo Subianto's visit to Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, Saturday (7/5/2022) was a form of friendship, without political talks.
It is undeniable that several figures who have appeared in the electability polls have started making their move. Even the public has grown aware of this, as there have been mentions of a governor aspiring to be a presidential candidate, even a minister.
Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo promoted a free mudik program for thousands of Central Java residents working in Jakarta, at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) and even at Pasar Senin Station, for those who preferred trains. On the other hand, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan also saw off participants of the free mudik program as they departed from the Pulogebang Integrated Terminal in East Jakarta. Some participants even donned T-shirts that read “Anies, President of Indonesia”.
Not even State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Erick Thohir was left behind. The SOEs Ministry provided 542 buses to 39 regions in Java. Around 24,000 people joined the program. The distinction between regular programs and political campaigns have blurred as the political year approaches.
Silaturahmi, the traditional gathering to maintain bonds of brotherhood and kinship, was also used to explore political alliances to nominate the 2024 presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
DOKUMENTASI KEMENTERIAN BUMN
SOE Minister Erick Thohir interacts with travelers who take part in the free homecoming program held by state-owned companies, in Jakarta, Wednesday (27/4/2022).
Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, after visiting President Joko Widodo, met with Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, who was accompanied by her daughter Puan Maharani. Afterwards, he met with East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, visited Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, and then met with several Islamic clerics.
Other figures included Democratic Party chairman Agus Harimurti, who met with Golkar Party chairman Airlangga Hartarto. Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno visited Salim Segaf al-Jufri, advisory board chairman of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).
None of this is wrong, as long as the activities do not misuse state facilities or finances. The more that the people are aware of who will take part in the 2024 presidential race, the easier it will be form them to judge who is worth their votes and who isn’t. Indonesia, with territorial seas spanning 5.8 million square kilometers and comprising 17,840 islands that will be inhabited by 300 million people by 2024, needs to be led by a leadership pair that have good character, good development strategies and strong political support to achieve the vision of Indonesia Emas (Indonesia Gold) 2045.
French political philosopher Alexis de Toccueville (1805-1859) warned that the power of democracy could never be destroyed by a lack of power or resources, but by misguidance and misuse. We must continue to find those with a formidable stance; those that not only have sturdy horses but also powerful punches, kicks and locks to overcome the increasingly complex and competitive problems of the future.
