Symbol Of Yellow Economy And Jokowi's Machiavelli Style

Photo Illustration By Andry Winarko (VOI)

The resignation of Airlangga Hartarto from the position of General Chair of the Golkar Party sparked various political speculations. One of the speculations that has emerged the most is the possibility of President Joko Widodo's entry in the leadership structure of the party bearing the banyan tree symbol. This signal has been seen since Jokowi's visit to Tokyo, Japan, at the end of 2023.

While attending the ASEAN Summit in Japan, President Joko Widodo appeared to be wearing a yellow tie. This yellow color, which is synonymous with the Golkar Party, raises suspicions that Jokowi is comfortable with the party. Golkar Party politician Ravindra Airlangga assessed the use of this yellow tie as a code that Jokowi may feel comfortable in Golkar.

"This is the code from Pak Jokowi. Usually he wears another color tie, now it turns yellow. For us at Golkar, this shows his comfort," Ravindra told reporters in Jakarta, Monday, August 19.

This statement is in line with the opinion of the Golkar Party Expert Council member, Ridwan Hisjam, who welcomed Jokowi joining Golkar. Ridwan even stated that Golkar is ready to hold a "yellow carpet" for the former Governor of DKI Jakarta. "Pak Jokowi is an outstanding figure, both when he was mayor, governor, until he twice became president. His dedication to the nation and state should not be doubted," said Ridwan through his written message.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, who is also a Golkar politician, believes that Jokowi may remain focused on multi-party activities, not only on one party. "He wants to protect all parties, especially those who have supported him since the 2014 presidential election," said Dito some time ago.

The chairman of the Golkar Party DPP, Dave Laksono, emphasized that all parties have the right to run for chairman of Golkar, including Jokowi and Gibran Rakabuming Raka. "There is no prohibition for anyone to enter Golkar. Is there a problem if Jokowi becomes chairman?" said Dave at the Senayan Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Friday, August 16.

Controversy At The End Of Jokowi's Leadership

One of the controversies that may be recorded in history is the candidacy of Gibran, Jokowi's eldest son, as a vice presidential candidate, allegedly littered by serious ethical violations by the Constitutional Court (MK). The Constitutional Court's decision that passed Gibran was allegedly intervened by Jokowi, created the impression of nepotism and fraud.

Although ethical violations do not always have legal consequences, theoretically they should be subject to more severe sanctions because ethics is above the law.

The series of cases involving Jokowi's family, such as the alleged involvement of his daughter, Kahiyang Ayu, and his son-in-law, Bobby Nasution, in the case of the Halmahera mine which was revealed by the former Governor of North Maluku AGK in court, could bring Jokowi to trial after he no longer serves as president. Therefore, Jokowi needs to carry out political maneuvers to maintain power, especially in the face of the elected president, Prabowo Subianto.

Machiavelli's Political Style

In practical politics, it is impossible for a person to survive without becoming Machiavellian. Mahzab Machiavellianism, taken from the name Niccolo Machiavelli, an Italian political philosopher, teaches that all means are made lawful in order to gain and maintain power. Sociology and Psychology lecturer from Airlangga University, Rizqy Amelia Zein, explains that individuals with a high tendency of Machiavellianism tend to be dishonest and cynical, and do not hesitate to manipulate others to achieve their goals.

"People with a Machiavellianism tendency are proficient in negotiating and building coalitions, and have the natural talent to recognize the most efficient methods with the least consequence to realize their desires. Interestingly, with the right dose of Machiavellianism, one can become the best employee in the workplace and even a charismatic leader," Rizqy said in a written message received by VOI.

Machiavelli himself praised Marcus Furius Camillus, a Roman dictator, as an example of an ideal leader. Camillus, who uses religion to increase the spirit of his soldiers, shows that leaders must be ready to leave moral standards for the public interest. However, Machiavelli also warned that a moralally problematic strategy if used only for personal gain could bring destruction to the leader.

Prabowo's Work Program As President

President-elect Prabowo Subianto has released his vision to build Indonesia in the future, which was revealed in an article in Newton in mid-June. Prabowo emphasized the importance of a real vision for the future of the country and emphasized his commitment to continuing the foundation that President Jokowi had built.

"Under the leadership of President Joko Widodo, Indonesia has carried out a number of reforms that put this country on a dramatic path of transformation. I intend to continue this mission, build a foundation that has been laid, but also deepen its transformation by mapping its dynamic direction forward," Prabowo said in the article.

Prabowo also emphasized the importance of Indonesia's sovereignty and national interests in international partnerships and added that he has a special focus on Africa, a continent that he thinks has many opportunities, similar to Indonesia. Prabowo feels lucky to be able to contribute to Indonesia's development and is determined to realize the full potential of this country as a great nation.