Emrus Sihombing: Cadres Who Are Involved In Corruption Does Not Affect The Party Electability

Azis Syamsuddin during the release of the case at the KPK. (photo: doc. between)

JAKARTA - The image of a political party is said to be disturbed if a cadre is involved and is named in a corruption case. For example, the Golkar Party, one of whose cadres, Azis Syamsuddin, has been named a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

The deputy chairman of the House of Representatives (DPR) was forcibly picked up at his house and immediately taken to the KPK office. Not long after, Azis was seen wearing a yellow vest with his hands in handcuffs, a sign that he had been officially detained by the KPK.

But this view, according to Dr. Emrus Sihombing, an expert on political communication from Pelita Harapan University, is a common thing. In fact, according to him, it will not affect the image and level of electability of the Golkar Party in the eyes of the public.

“I can take responsibility for this statement academically. Show which party in this republic, which party whose cadres have never been corrupted or involved in corruption cases?” Emrus told voi.id.

This means, according to Emrus, because in all parties there are cadres who are involved in corruption, the effect of corrupt behavior does not exist, because it is almost evenly distributed in all parties.

"If all parties have their cadres ever involved in corruption, it means that the variable factor of cadres is involved in corruption, it doesn't affect it anymore. If all parties have cadres who have been involved in corruption, then that variable becomes neutral,” said the permanent lecturer at Pelita Harapan University Postgraduate.

According to Emrus, the corrupt factor no longer affects political parties. "If in all parties there are cadres who have been involved in corruption, then the influence of corrupt cadres will no longer affect the electability of parties or the electability of candidates from that party. Because all parties experience the same thing,” said Emrus.

In the upcoming 2024 presidential election, the presidential and vice-presidential candidates will be carried by political parties. It is possible for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates to be appointed by independents, but this possibility is very small.