Direct Elections Often Become a Political Event of Money to Puppet Oligarchs

Illustration - The implementation of the DPRD Pilkada does not necessarily solve the problem in the election directly. (Photo: Special)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of the Democratic Party, Benny Kabur Harman, admitted that the implementation of direct regional head elections (pilkada) stored a number of problems such as expensive political costs, the prevalence of money politics, to the state apparatus that is not completely neutral.

In fact, many regional heads who are produced are actually entangled in corruption and are not infrequently "puppets" of oligarchic interests.

However, returning the mechanism of the regional election through the DPRD is not the right solution to answer the problem.

"In my opinion, returning to the pilkada by the DPRD is not a way out of overcoming the problems that often arise in the direct pilkada," said Benny, Sunday, January 4.

Therefore, he is more encouraging fundamental improvements through the formation of a better Local Election Law as an alternative to improving the implementation of direct local elections.

According to Benny, the upcoming Regional Head Election Law must emphasize the importance of setting clear, firm norms, and accompanied by harsh sanctions for each violation so that the democratic process runs more cleanly and with integrity.

"Make a better Pilkada Law. The norms that are regulated must be clear and firm, accompanied by firm sanctions for those who violate," he continued.

Meanwhile, to overcome the high cost of politics, the state should take a bigger role by bearing the financing of the regional election.

Because, if the ultimate goal is the welfare of the people and better democracy, then the reason for the cost should not be an obstacle.

"All elements of the nation should never lose hope in fighting for the interests of the people through political channels, including the regional elections. Never lose hope in fighting for the people. Politics must be cheerful," said Benny.