Bahlil, Rules, And Election Integrity

General Chairperson of Golkar Bahlil Lahadalia. (Between)

When Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources who is also the General Chair of the Golkar Party, spoke about "tracing the rules as long as they are not caught," many were surprised. Bahlil's statement was made at the Consolidation Meeting for Winning the Provincial Election, Regency and City throughout West Java Province. This sentence comes amid tensions ahead of the 2024 General Election, where election integrity is in the main spotlight. No wonder the expression invites strong reactions from various circles. Not only because of its ethical implications, but also because it shows how far we have deviated from the basic principles of democracy.

In many published news and analysis, several fundamental questions arise. Is it true, as stated by Bahlil, that the violation of the rules can be justified as long as it is not revealed? Does this reflect the current political situation that is filled with temporary interests? He asserted that if the violation is not caught, then it is considered not a problem. This raises deep concerns about how we view law and ethics in politics.

The Secretary General of the Golkar Party, Lodewijk F. Paulus, defended Bahlil Lahadalia by saying that his statement was just a joke. Say it's a joke, however, Bahlil's comments show a bigger phenomenon. In a world filled with allegations of election fraud and reports of violations, can we still joke about integrity? The Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) has found 347 violations during the calm period of elections throughout Indonesia, which mostly occurred in North Sumatra. This number further adds to concerns regarding neutrality and integrity of election administration.

Integrity is the key word in this context. The Ministry of State Apparatus Empowerment (KemenPAN) underlined the importance of integrity for leaders as the basis of an accountable government. However, the fact that 1,385 officials have been imprisoned for corruption during the Jokowi administration shows that integrity is still a serious challenge. Can we hope in the integrity of politicians if they themselves are not committed to complying with existing rules?

Election fraud is a problem that continues to overshadow. Monitoring reports show the alleged violation of ASN neutrality during the 2024 election. This is a phenomenon that cannot be ignored. How can people believe that their voices will be respected? How can voters feel confident that their choices will change the future, if their leaders consider rule violations as common?

In a broader context, Bahlil's comments, who is the chairman of a big party, reflect a habit where political interests often ignore moral principles and ethics. In a healthy democracy, leaders should be role models for their people. However, what Bahlil shows is a bitter reality where the goal is to justify the way.

Therefore, firm stance needs to be shown. We cannot allow violations of the rules as part of a political "strategy". If we want to have a credible and trusted electoral system by the people, then it is time for all parties, including politicians, to prioritize integrity and commitment to the law. Only in this way can we build public confidence in the democratic process.

Once again, Bahlil Lahadalia's expression is not just a joke statement. This is a reflection of the integrity crisis we face in today's political world. To change this paradigm, a joint effort from all elements of society is needed. Without awareness and commitment to uphold ethics and integrity, the ideals of a clean and accountable democracy will only remain a dream. If we do not act now, then we will be trapped in an endless cycle of violation and fraud.