Getting To Know Asian Value, A Viral Term Through Siniar Total Politics

Komika Pandji Pragiwaksono during a conversation with host Arie Putra and Budi Adiputro in the Total Politics. (YouTube Total Politics)

JAKARTA The term Asian value was suddenly widely discussed by netizens. Initially, from Arie Putra's statement, the co-founder of the Political Total, during a discussion with Pandji Pragiwaksono. However, this term has actually been used by a number of politicians for a long time.

Asian value became the trending topic of Twitter some time ago, when Arie was accused of pro-political dynasties for calling it part of the Asian value and human right.

In the broadcast, Pandji asked Arie about his views on dynastic politics in Indonesia, including in the circle of power of President Joko Widodo.

According to Pandji's view, official politics can have a negative impact, including undermining democracy and disrupting the running of a government that is free of corruption, collusion, and nepotism due to abuse of power.

But on the other hand, Arie Putra considers dynastic politics to be human rights or human rights, in accordance with the Asian value that he made. Arie's statement sparked reactions from netizens, most of whom disagreed with the host.

Asian value has become very popular, even former DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan also used this term on his X account.

literally, the Asian value refers to cultural and traditional values that are considered to be characteristic of Asian society. These values are often associated with Confusion such as respect for parents and ancestors, maintaining good relations with community members, working hard and fighting, and demanding knowledge and knowledge as the key to success.

Meanwhile, in the political context, Asian value is an ideology that prioritizes disciplinary, collective, cooperative, frugal, and educational achievements.Asian value is different from Western politics which tends to be individualist.

Citing Britannica, the common English-speaking equator, Asian value is a series of values introduced in the late 20th century by a number of country or political leaders in Asia, such as Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

Supporters of the Asian value usually stated that the rapid economic development in East Asia in the post-World War II period was caused by similarities in the legacy of Confusionism.

Confusionism itself can be interpreted as a system of thought originating from ancient China. This thought can be described as a tradition, philosophy, religion, theory, government, or way of life.

Selain itu, pendukung Asian value juga menyatakan prinsip-principitas politik Barat tidak sesuai dengan Asia Timur karena mereka mendorong individualism dan legalisme yang berlebihan, yang mengancam atau merusah sosial dan merusakkan dinamisme ekonomi.

Nevertheless, the Asian value debate also occurred in the Asian people themselves. The rapid economic and social changes in East Asia caused various opposing movements, especially those that prioritize human rights, growth of individualism, and democratization.

Launching United Nations University, critics think Asian value is often used to justify authoritarian rule and suppress opposition. The financial crisis that hit Asia in 1997-1998 shows weaknesses in this value-supported economic model.

Asian value is also considered a propaganda tool to legitimize authoritarian regimes and silence dissent. One of the criticisms of the Asian value was published in the journalEuropean Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences (2023) by Yuniarti and Rendy Wirawan.

Yunarti and Rendy said, Asian value is a collection of cultural values that include communication, kinship, and appreciation for the authorities, which are characteristic of Asian society.

Although it has noble characteristics, on the other hand, Asian value is also considered to be able to "facilitate" the community to commit corruption. Asian people often misuse their cultural values as an excuse to hide acts of corruption.

The political and bureaucratic system in Asian countries, both democratic and authoritarian, participates in creating corrupt communities. They take advantage of Asian value in the practice of political life such as corruption, collusion, and nepotism.

In a social context, Asian value is often misunderstood and misused to commit acts of corruption, for example through giving gifts. This makes corruption in Asia more difficult to track and uncertain whether a certain activity is an act of corruption or not.