Enjoying Presidents And Ministers Criticized In Parody Of The Republic Of Dreams/BBM As Political Education

The Republic of BBM Parody of Dreams. (Screenshot/VOI)

JAKARTA - Political parodies have graced many television screen windows in democratic countries. Technology also now allows it to be watched on video sharing platforms.

Taking the convenience of this technology, Republik Dreams, a parody program that used to be entrenched on national private television, has now reappeared on the YouTube channel Republik BBM.

In its first episode, the parody program, now known as Republik Dreams/BBM, featured a number of comedians who played the roles of public officials or national political figures, community representatives, artists, and moderators. They flicked each other until they laughed and acted like the characters they were playing.

For example, comedians who play characters such as Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan receive a call when another comedian who appears to be playing President Jokowi is giving a statement.

In real life, the incident had gone viral when Jokowi was giving a press statement in the Ajibata Port area, Toba Regency, North Sumatra, recently.

Political observer from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Wasisto Jati, assessed that it is legitimate that political parodies containing criticism and criticism are present in a democratic society.

"In a democracy, making a caricature personification of a figure like a parody is part of the expression of opinion. However, it requires skill," Wasisto told VOI, Thursday, April 28 night.

The use of the character of a political figure or public official played by an actor or actress is also common in political parodies. Those who play it are usually experts in theatrical arts.

Wasisto explained that theater art has provided the foundations for artists to be able to appreciate the roles and narratives they play. So, he said, it was not only slapstick that was highlighted for the sake of audience satisfaction

"The ability to parody requires high artistic skills, especially theatrical arts. This is what if not all artists or actors can play parodies," he explained.

Furthermore, Wasisto said that the main purpose of political parody is to present the current reality in the form of humor by imitating the subject being parodied. The main purpose of the parody, he said, was for political education.

"Because it makes people think critically behind the antics of parody actors," he added.

Therefore, it is better if political figures or public officials who are ridiculed or become a laughing stock in political parodies should not respond with vengeance. Likewise Jokowi or Luhut who were exposed in the parody of the Republic of Dreams/BBM made by Effendi Gazali.

"Yes, they should also accept criticism in the parody play wittyly or laugh along. Because the essence of parody is to make a serious joke into a joke," he concluded.