BSNPG: Golkar Values the DPRD Pilkada Discourse Needs a Substantive Study of Democracy, Not Just a Mechanism

JAKARTA - The discourse on the election of regional heads (pilkada) through the DPRD has resurfaced and triggered public debate. This debate does not merely revolve around the choice between direct or indirect elections, but touches on a more fundamental issue in democracy, namely the relationship between procedural efficiency and substantive quality.

A number of circles assess that the election through the DPRD offers advantages in terms of budget efficiency and political stability. The indirect mechanism is considered capable of reducing high political costs, reducing the potential for horizontal polarization in society, and strengthening the representation function of regional legislative institutions.

In the theory of representative democracy, the DPRD indeed has the mandate to voice the will of the people through institutional mechanisms. However, the effectiveness of this argument depends on the functioning of the DPRD in an accountable, transparent, and free from transactional political practices.

Observers assess that the main challenge in Indonesian political practice lies in the weakness of political ethics and oversight of executive and legislative relations. Without thorough reform, the election through the DPRD is considered at risk of shifting democracy from a public participation space to a closed elite negotiation arena.

On the other hand, criticism of indirect local elections is also strengthening. Direct elections are considered to provide stronger political legitimacy because regional heads obtain direct mandates from the people. Although it requires large costs and a complex process, this mechanism is seen as strengthening the accountability of regional heads to voters.

Political scientist Miriam Budiardjo, in various works, emphasizes that democracy is not only about election procedures, but also public participation and control. In this framework, the reduction of participation space is feared to weaken public confidence in the political system.

The Golkar Party responded to this debate institutionally through the 2025 National Leadership Meeting (Rapimnas) led by General Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia. Golkar considers it necessary to conduct a constitutional and rational study on the mechanism of the gubernatorial election, without turning a blind eye to the weaknesses of direct gubernatorial elections and the risk of transactional politics in the indirect mechanism.

This attitude reflects an approach that places the substance of democracy above merely choosing a mechanism. Golkar emphasizes that any change in the system must be carried out through the official party mechanism and the constitutional framework.

In this context, the Golkar Party National Witness Agency (BSNPG) is considered to have a strategic role. BSNPG not only serves as a technical instrument for the party's membership, but also as part of the party's internal democratic oversight system.

Through strengthening the functions of organizational supervision and discipline, BSNPG has a role in ensuring that the integrity of the political process is maintained, regardless of the mechanism used for the election. This institution is also expected to be able to prevent elite transaction practices and manipulation of public opinion that has the potential to harm democracy.

The discussion of the election through the DPRD is considered a test for the maturity of Indonesian democracy. The key question is not only what mechanism is chosen, but to what extent the political system is able to prevent abuse of power and ensure that the interests of the people remain the main orientation.

The decision of the 2025 Golkar Party Rapimnas confirms that any changes to political policies must be carried out legally, openly, and responsibly. Democracy, according to the party's view, is not carried out through the noise of opinions, but through a mature institutional process that is oriented towards accelerating development and improving the welfare of the people in a fair, equitable, and sustainable manner.