Cawe-cawe, between Language, History, and Country
President Joko Widodo wants the continuation of programs and policies for the progress of the nation and state even though the government has changed. Of course, not with cawe-cawe in the TNI, Polri, and KPU.
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President Joko Widodo met with editors-in-chief at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday (29/5/2023).
During a meeting with Kompas Litbang, two years ago, President Joko Widodo assessed that the weakness of every leadership succession in Indonesia so far has been the lack of sustainability of programs and policies. Therefore, according to him, it is important that in 2024 the continuation of good and strategic programs and policies from the previous government to the new government begins.
"So, the new president does not always start from zero again to realize the progress of the nation," said the President in a presentation at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, accompanied by Minister of State Secretary Pratikno and President's Private Secretary Anggit Nugroho (Kompas, 6 /5/2023).
It seems that, with the desire for a continuous strategic program to realize the progress of the nation, it is not surprising that President Jokowi frankly admits to being female and female in the 2024 Election. This was disclosed when meeting a number of chief editors at the State Palace, early last week.
In the interest of the country, President cawe-cawe. The reason, Jokowi wants Indonesia to jump into a developed country. That opportunity doesn't come often. In the next 13 years, Indonesia has the opportunity to go there, including with a demographic bonus. For this reason, the continuity of the government's strategic policies is considered important in order to realize Indonesia as a developed country. However, this is largely determined by the future national leadership (Kompas, 29/5/2023).
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The frank admission has sparked various responses. Despite previously criticizing President Jokowi for being too involved in politics when Jokowi gathered the general chairmen of his supporting political parties except for Nasdem Party, the 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, expressed his support. As long as it is to maintain democracy and carry out a fair and honest election. Jusuf Kalla hopes that efforts to maintain democracy and a fair and honest election can be carried out well.
The meeting between President Joko Widodo and the Chairman of PDI-P Megawati Soekarnoputri at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Saturday (18/3/2023) was indeed true and validly confirmed to discuss the 2024 presidential election issue. Confirmation regarding the discussion of the 2024 presidential election came directly from PDI-P Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto and President Joko Widodo.
If the explanation from the press is that the chatter is to maintain democracy and to carry out a fair and honest election, it is very good. So, we hope that it can certainly be implemented well. If we want what was explained last, for democracy to run well and for the election to be honest and fair, we certainly support it.
"If the explanation from the press is that cawe-cawe (lobbying) is done to maintain democracy and conduct fair and honest elections, then that is very good. So, we hope that it can be implemented well. If what was explained last is to support democracy running well and to ensure fair and honest elections, then we certainly support it," he said in response to the press on Tuesday (30/5/2023)."
However, according to senior researcher from the Center for Political Research of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Firman Noor, such intimidation is unethical and potentially makes the situation more tense. This is because Jokowi seems to show suspicion towards those who do not share his vision.
Law lecturer of Constitutional Law at Andalas University in Padang, Feri Amsari, stated that the acknowledgement of political brokers (cawe-cawe) and its limitations have become unclear and subjective. The President is also vulnerable to being viewed as impartial. "Because what is meant by political brokers is in an effort to win a certain presidential candidate as President's choice. It seems that the President will use state facilities and authority to assist his chosen candidate," he said.
Presidential candidate Anies Baswedan (fourth from the left) answered reporters' questions accompanied by members of the Tim Delapan team, Dadang Dirgantara, Chairman of the PKS DPP Al Muzzammil Yusuf, Chairman of the Nasdem Party DPP Sugeng Suparwoto, Vice Chairman of the PKS Advisory Council Sohibul Iman, Secretary General of the Democrat Party Teuku Riefky, and Tim Delapan member Sudirman Said (left to right) at the Sekretariat Perubahan, Jalan Brawijaya X, South Jakarta, on Tuesday (30/5/2023).
The impression like that, according to Feri, creates a problem in terms of positive campaign for the sake of the country. "The President should be really able to remain neutral, at least by avoiding the use of state facilities and authority to support certain candidates. Of course, as a politician and party cadre, he has the right to convey his political preferences," he said.
Maintain neutrality
In response to the criticism, State Secretary Minister Pratikno stated briefly. The "Cawe-cawe" used by the President is synonymous with being responsible and not letting things go unattended.
Deputy of Protocol, Press, and Media of the Presidential Secretariat Bey Machmudin, who attended a meeting with mass media leaders, explained through a written statement. The context of "cawe-cawe", said Bey, is the desire to ensure that the 2024 election is democratic, honest, and fair. "The President is interested in ensuring that the election is conducted properly and safely, without leaving polarization or social conflict," he said.
The President is concerned with the successful and peaceful execution of the elections, without leaving behind any polarization or social conflict.
Regarding future leaders, according to Bey, President Jokowi also wants national leaders to be able to oversee and continue strategic policies, such as building the National Capital, downstreaming and transitioning to clean energy. "The president hopes that all election participants can compete freelyand fairly. Therefore, the president will maintain the neutrality of the TNI-Polri and ASN (state civil apparatus)," said Bey.
President Joko Widodo on Thursday (4/5/2023) revealed the reason for not inviting the Chairman of Nasdem Party, Surya Paloh, to the meeting with six other political party leaders at the palace last Tuesday.
The meaning of the word cawe-cawe
In the Big Indonesian Dictionary, the word cawe-cawe is a word taken from the Javanese language. The term means 'to help with (finish, tidy up); take care of it.'
As quoted from DetikJateng on Wednesday (31/5/2023), Professor of Linguistics at Gadjah Mada University, I Dewa Putu Wijana, said that cawe-cawe, which has been absorbed into Indonesian language, means participating in dealing with something. According to him, generally, the meaning of cawe-cawe is neutral and it can be used in all activities.
Putu explained, cawe-cawe is an ordinary word. He gave an example, "I'm a young girl who perfumes my mother in the kitchen (I want to help my mother in the kitchen)". Cawe-cawe, as he calls it, is usually used in casual or informal speeches.
Regarding the context of the use of the word "cawe-cawe" by President Jokowi, which originally meant neutral, it could potentially change. Especially in the world of politics and political opponents.
What is prohibited is if the President uses his power against the civil servant apparatus, the TNI, and the Police to mobilize support, especially to influence the General Election Commission. That's the limit.
According to political communication expert Benny Susetyo, Jokowi, who is also the president and head of state, is a political actor so Jokowi can request and meet with anyone according to his preferences to ensure that the 2024 elections run democratically and that his government programs are continued by his successor, including parties as well as presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
Journalists recorded the statement of presidential candidate hopeful Anies Baswedan at the Secretariat of Change, Brawijaya X Street, South Jakarta, on Tuesday (May 30, 2023).
"What is not allowed is if the President uses his power over the civil state apparatus, TNI, and Polri to mobilize support, especially to influence the General Election Commission. That is the limit," said Benny.
Cawe-cawe Pemilu 1955
Before the election, Bung Karno as the head of state visited almost all regions and had dialogues with people about the party that should be won in the 1955 election. However, Bung Karno did not mention any party at all.
According to the eldest son of President Soekarno, Guntur Soekarno, campaigning was also carried out by Bung Karno before the 1955 Election, an election considered democratic by history. "Before the election, Bung Karno as the head of state visited almost all regions and engaged in dialogue with the people about which party should win in the 1955 Election. However, Bung Karno did not mention the party that was intended," he said.
According to Guntur, cawe-cawe aims to uphold the integrity of the country with Pancasila as its fundamental basis. "As far as I can remember, Bung Karno's safari to various regions at that time went smoothly without any protests or demonstrations against it," he said.
For his supporters, cawe-cawe (lobbying) is considered necessary. According to the Chairman of the Hanura Party, Oesman Sapta Odang, lobbying is needed to ensure President Jokowi's performance can be continued. "The President cannot just leave behind the remaining struggles that have been enjoyed by the people," he said after the commemoration of Pancasila Day at the southern field of Monas, Jakarta, on Thursday (1/6/2023).
Members of the Delapan Team, Dadang Dirgantara, Chairman of the PKS DPP Al Muzzammil Yusuf, Chairman of the Nasdem Party DPP Sugeng Suparwoto, potential presidential candidate Anies Baswedan, Vice Chairman of the PKS Majelis Syuro Sohibul Iman, Secretary General of the Democratic Party Teuku Riefky, and members of the Delapan Team Sudirman Said (left to right) take a photo together after a press conference at the Perubahan Secretariat, Jalan Brawijaya X, South Jakarta, on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
Oesman said that cawe-cawe were carried out so that all government programs that had been implemented by President Jokowi remained on the track. "That must be continued. Second, what is lacking must be repaired by a new one. So, do not all want to be considered as nothing. Many people just chatter, but the contents are not there. Only politics. Cheap politics again. Ouch I'm sorry for you," he said.
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Haryadi, Lecturer in Politics at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Airlangga University, Surabaya, also believes that the President must undoubtedly be involved in election matters. This is especially in the role of government guaranteeor ensuring elections take place on time and process based on applicable regulations.
Furthermore, there must be a guarantee for the freedom of citizens who have the right to vote to use or not to use their voting rights. The limitation is that the President cannot interfere in the nomination of candidates in presidential, legislative and DPD elections. Based on the country's constitution, the nomination of candidates is the authority of the party.
If the President personally has aspirations and interests related to program sustainability and wants to endorse certain candidates, then these aspirations must be conveyed through the political party where he belongs. "Not just through political parties. Why can't just go through a party that is not his place of auspices? Because this is related to something that is very essential in the process of building democracy, namely the institutionalization of political parties in the process of democratic elections," said the Lab 45 Senior Advisor.
That is the explanation if interpreted in the context of language, history, and national identity.
(INA/CAS/WKM/HAR)
