Not All Members Of The House Of Representatives Have The Behavior Of 'Under Table Corruption' Like Mahfud MD's Allegation

Photo by Dino Januarsa on Unsplash

JAKARTA - Indeed, there are still members of the DPR who are dragged by the tomb of corruption. But branding this legislative body all of them to commit corruption under the table, it doesn't feel good either.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD recently issued a statement that transactions under the tables of a number of state agencies, including the DPR. This follows increasingly becoming corruption in Indonesia.

"The statement by the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD is not wise because it seems as if he is generalizing all members of the DPR RI regarding corruption cases by stating that there is a conflict of interest in the DPR and causing transactions under the table," said Political Communication Analyst Silvanus Alvin, Monday, June 12.

The fact that there are people in the DPR who commit criminal acts of corruption cannot be denied. Even so, according to Alvin, it is important to remember that the DPR consists of many members who have different backgrounds and motivations.

Alvin added that it cannot be ruled out that there are still members of the DPR who take advantage of their position to help the people. He considered that there were still quite a number of DPR members who actively work to represent the interests of the community, oversee public policies, and carry out progressive legislation.

"Although there are various corruption cases in the DPR that cause reduced public trust, we cannot turn a blind eye that there are still members of the DPR who work honestly," said Alvin.

"So it is unfair to generalize all members of the DPR based on the actions of several individuals involved in corruption or case brokers," he continued.

"It is better if state officials can objectively see positive things or negative things from the DPR. We cannot deny that the pro-government policies cannot run without the support of the DPR as an institution for people's representation," said Alvin.

The British graduate of the Master University of Leicester also said that discrediting the DPR as a whole means also discrediting democratic institutions in Indonesia. Alvin said there would be a negative impact on this.

"Concluding that the DPR is bad can have implications for the breakdown of public trust and can affect the democratic process. In elections, for example, there may be public potential, so they are reluctant to exercise their voting rights," he explained.

On the other hand, generalizing the DPR as an agency that is easy to make transactions under the table is also considered not to prioritize the principle of objectivity in law. In fact, Alvin said, Mahfud MD as an expert already fully understands the principles in law that must be upheld.

"Providing the DPR as a whole as corrupt or immoral is an unfair act and violates the principle of presumption of innocence," said Alvin.

"Just because some members of the DPR are involved in acts of corruption or bad behavior, it does not mean that all members of the DPR must be considered like that," he added.

Alvin added that the right political education to the public and the attitude of respecting state institutions must be owned by state officials.

"Without any negative statements that provoke suspicion, wrong public opinion is very easy to form. So public statements must be accounted for so as not to cause negative views on all members of the DPR," said Alvin.

Highlighting problems and voicing constructive criticism is indeed an important part of efforts to improve the system and maintain accountability. It's just that, Alvin reminded, it is better not to let these criticisms turn all parties close to the positive things that have been done by members of the DPR.

"In this case, if Mr. Mahfud pocketed the names of rogue members of the DPR, delivery and the process could be carried out according to the mechanism," he appealed.

Alvin assessed that Mahfud would be more elegant if he conveyed constructive criticism, rather than attacking by generalizing corruption in the DPR.

"This method is more honorable. And of course the public will be happy if this country is calm without unnecessary turmoil," he said.

"And keep in mind, political controversy in such a way can also have an impact on the investment climate which ultimately affects the economy in the country," concluded Alvin.