JAKARTA - The popularity and brilliance of the artist Raffi Ahmad in the world of entertainment is certainly not in doubt.
In fact, recently the boss of Rans Entertainment is increasingly expanding the business octopus by acquiring the Cilegon FC football club to become a Cilegon FC fan with his partner, Rudi Salim. Raffi also opened a football school (SSB) as well as sports facilities in several cities in Indonesia.
Later, the husband of the artist, Nagita Slavina, was also looked at by a political party to become a candidate for regional head. The opportunity for Raffi to enter the national politics scene was even more open after being appointed by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) as the first celebrity to receive a vaccine injection, as well as disseminating the government's vaccination program.
Santer heard Raffi Ahmad's name on the radar following the reshuffle issue. So what is the chance for Raffi to 'try out' the ministerial seat in Jokowi's cabinet?
Political communication expert from UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, Gun Gun Heryanto, assessed that the inclusion of celebrities in politics is practically nothing new in Indonesia. In the course of politics, artists are often used as voters who are now transforming into candidates, both Pileg and Pilkada.
"The slice of celebrity politics in politics is practically not a new story. In the past, it was dominant to be a vote getter in the election but after reformation, it was not only a vote getter but also a part of a candidate. For example, becoming a legislative candidate or becoming a regional candidate in many places and those were several. some were successful but some failed, "said Gun Gun when contacted by VOI, Friday, April 16.
In fact, he continued, President Jokowi's presence at the wedding of artist Atta Halilintar also emphasized that celebrity groups, both on social media and in other media such as television or film, are indeed inseparable from the political landscape which now tends to be entertainment or politainment.
"However, specifically for Raffi Ahmad, for the recruitment of the millennial ministerial position, I do not see strong arguments. Including among the available ministerial posts," said the Executive Director of The Political Literacy.
Even if the President is going to reshuffle the cabinet, Gun Gun continued, Jokowi will definitely consider the real political strength that exists. Namely, the ministerial candidates come from political parties or supporters of their government rather than entering a new basis that is actually needed during electoral competitions or contestations.
"Well, Raffi, it doesn't represent the real political anchor of power in the DPR, so I believe Raffi's name is not a priority for the cabinet line-up if there is a second reshuffle," said Gun Gun.
"Put the one who is busy with the Ministry of Investment, or the merger of the Minister of Education and Culture and Research and Technology, that is not the portfolio to Raffi Ahmad. Including if there is a shift in other ministries," he added.
According to Gun Gun, it must be distinguished between Raffi Ahmad as an icon because he has a mass base as a celebrity. Maybe, he is only needed for public relations (public relations, ed) government work, as during the vaccination yesterday.
"Read it as part of the government's PR work to get the widest possible support for vaccination in addition to religious leaders as well as youth leaders who have many followers," he explained.
"So the context is, broadening the resonance of vaccination and of course changing the greater support for the government for the success of the vaccination program itself," Gun Gun added.
It is different if it is related to the Pilkada contestation, according to Gun Gun, it makes more sense to join Raffi Ahmad. For example, being approached by a political party to become a candidate for regional head, such as the issue of becoming a Bacalon mayor of South Tangerang.
"If that is the long history of artists entering politics either as a legislative candidate or regional head. But for this millennial minister the reading is different. (Far, red) I see that there is not a single variable that can be used to position Raffi as a potential name to become a ministerial candidate," Gun Gun said.
The reason, said Gun Gun, is clear that the composition of the minister is a representation of political power. First, the key audience, because Indonesia is the big Muslim country, it is certain that NU-Muhammadiyah should be involved.
Second, the strength of the supporting parties in the matter of the presidential election or afterwards is an advantage in power. Third, geopolitical considerations, for example, west-east and gender representation of men and women. Usually there is accommodation as a form of Jokowi's political balance, especially in the context of women's politics in Indonesia.
"And none of that counts Raffi Ahmad. Talking to the minister, the considerations are very difficult if it's just a celebrity," he said.
"Maybe in the future there can be spokesmen, there can be timses, it can be Pilkada candidates, it can be legislative candidates. Because in 2024 there will also be a regional election, right?
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