Anies' Silent Style Or Social Minister Risma's Blusukan, Who Is Superior?

Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - People in the country are again excited by Tri Rismaharini's blusukan after being appointed by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) as Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos).

The style popularized by Jokowi, when he was the governor of DKI Jakarta in 2012, this was done by Risma on the first day of work. He visited DKI residents who live under the Pramuka fly over, East Jakarta.

Executive Director of Voxpol Center Research and Consulting, Pangi Syarwi Chaniago, said that as a political strategy it is common practice for any public official. The goal is to build a pupulis image or attract public sympathy.

However, according to Ipang - Pangi's nickname - the success of this strategy also depends on the trends that people like. As a comparison, when Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) was the 6th President of the Republic of Indonesia, the elegant, calm and structured leadership style was preferred by the public.

Two periods of SBY's leadership, continued Ipang, the domination of this calm style is no longer popular in society. Then, Jokowi entered, who at that time offered the blusukan style as the antithesis of SBY's calm leadership.

"So the question is whether it (Blusukan) is still relevant in the present context or not, depending on the community. Risma is trying the right momentum or not," said Ipang when contacted by Voi, Wednesday, January 6.

Looking at Risma's blusukan strategy, according to Ipang, it can be predicted that she is being prepared by the PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) for a specific mission, either as a candidate for the Governor of DKI Jakarta or other strategic positions.

If you run as a candidate for the Governor of DKI Jakarta, then this strategy is clearly "contrary" to what Anies Baswedan has been practicing so far. According to Ipang, Anies's leadership character as the Governor of DKI Jakarta is more quiet, structured and far from being followed up by the media.

"So Anies' work is indeed calmer, not noisy or looking for a stage and gaining popularity," explained Ipang.

Ipang added, if the momentum of Risma's blusukan was right, it was not impossible that he would gain great success, either for Risma or PDIP. Conversely, if the community doesn't like it, it will become a boomerang for Risma.

More importantly Risma's performance at the Ministry of Social Affairs which must have an impact on improving the quality of life of the community.

"If it is found out that this is a setting or scenario, it is not natural, of course it will be tapping the water in the pan that splashes itself in the face. Society is also not increasing electability but becoming more resistant. This is what must be really careful," concluded Ipang.