Josua Gantan & Vita A.D. Busyra, Jakarta – Violations of campaign regulations are on the rise as Indonesia's legislative election approaches.
The practice of money politics thrives as various political parties become more fervent in their bids to win votes, raising concerns that the country's democracy is being undermined.
"The party has promised us sembako, such as noodles, rice and vegetable oil for April 4 so I'm really hopeful. Also, they provided free eye checkups," Anop, an avid political supporter, said.
Anop is blatant about his expectation of money, sembako (goods) and other kinds of "assistance" when he attends political campaigns.
In the same vein, 35-year-old Albarkah talked about her encounter with money politics. "I attended the Democratic Party's campaign not long ago and they handed out Rp 30,000 [$2.60]. My cousin, who went to the Gerindra Party rally at Gelora Bung Karno [Stadium], also received money."
Albarkah said that she was disappointed when the National Awakening Party (PKB) did not reward her for participating in their campaign recently.
"I asked for a drink but they didn't give [me] any. I heard that PKB will give out money, around Rp 20,000, but I returned home empty-handed," she said.
Money politics
Arie Sujito, a lecturer and political scientist from Yogyakarta's Gadjah Mada University explains that the problem of money politics is prevalent in Indonesia.
"Money politics take place during the presidential elections, legislative elections, regional heads' elections, and even village heads' elections," Arie said. "It takes various forms and its magnitude varies. It can be in the form of money – buying of votes near voting time – or giving promises of help or money should the candidate wins, and also giving away of goods."
Arie noted that the practice of money politics carries serious consequences for the nation. "The implication of money politics is tremendous. It impacts how the country will be run for the next five years." Arie said.
University of Indonesia lecturer and political scientist Arbi Sanit explains that because of the practice of money politics, "candidates compete in terms of money, not on track record nor experience. They buy votes to fulfill their political goals." As a result, it is the candidates with the deepest pockets and not the ones with the best track records and qualifications who will win the election, he says.
Arie points out that as a side-effect, the practice of money politics will damage the credibility of Indonesia's democracy. "The electorate will view politics as something merely commercial. They will see elections as just a stage where abuse of power and corruption takes place. That creates the wrong kind of mentality," Arbi pointed out.
The Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu) reported that political parties, which violated political campaign regulations the most so far, were the
People's Conscience Party (Hanura) with 48 violations, followed by the Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) with 47, the National Democratic Party (NasDem) 39 and Golkar Party 29.
Violations that specifically involve the practice of money politics were committed by NasDem, the National Awakening Party (PKB), Golkar Party, the Democratic Party, the United Development Party (PPP) and Hanura.
Bad politicians
Arie of Gadjah Mada University explains that legislative candidates seeking re-election today tend to rely on money politics to boost their support.
"There is a saying, 'give me real evidence, not promises,' but sadly in this case, the evidence comes in the form of money," he said.
Arie emphasizes that many incumbent politicians are responsible for the rampant practice of money politics today. He pointed out that those politicians inculcated the wrong kind of mindset among voters.
"Their mindset is conditioned by the political elites. The bond [between legislators and their constituencies] is loose. The people are not properly represented. Rarely do [political parties] have any accountability to their constituents. So when the people do get to meet them, they would just simply ask for money, " Arie said. "This isn't just a problem of mind set or morality. The people are being conditioned to think pragmatically.
"It resembles a short-term transaction. In the eyes of the people, legislative candidates are seen like merchants," he added. "And these candidates enjoy that, they do buy votes nearing election time. All the while the general election is meant to be a gateway to change There are no efforts, nor steps from political parties to build a better political culture."
Public perception
Rosa, a young entrepreneur, says that money politics conducted by powerful political parties and rich people have been considered normal and are not taken seriously.
"Although money politics are against the law, [most] parties and candidates still violate the law. Campaign supporters, of course, receive their aid with open arms, some [of them] even demand for it," Rosa said.
The Public Perception Survey on Election Integrity conducted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) last year confirms not only the prevalence of money politics but also the misguided societal mind set, which props up the practice in the country.
The survey, which polled 1,200 people across 10 regions, showed that 71 percent of the respondents believed the practice of money politics was normal. As many as 67 percent were permissive about the practice.
Arie acknowledges that the public perception regarding the issue of money politics had been distorted. "The public views this as something normal," Arie said.
But Arbi of the University of Indonesia explained that the problem also involved economic factors. "Most of the voters in this upcoming election come from the lower income group," Arbi said. "People only listen if you give them money. That's how it's like in our avaricious electoral system. Even in the regional district head's election, it's really awful."
Failing law enforcement
While the 2012 Law on Political Elections prohibits the practice of money politics and prescribes a maximum penalty of two years in jail or a maximum fine of Rp 24 million for those found violating the law, Arbi claims that the practice was becoming deeper entrenched.
Ikrar Nusa Bhakti, a political expert of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), explained that money politics point to the failure of law enforcement.
"As long as the General Elections Commission [KPU], Bawaslu, the Election Supervisory Committee [Panwaslu] and the police keep acting indecisively by giving it space, tolerating it or reducing the punishment of legislative candidates of any parties, money politics will thrive until the end of time," he said.
Arie, the political scientist of Gadjah Mada University, points out that the poor enforcement of the law on money politics was done knowingly, that there are parties responsible for it.
"How is it that the police, the KPU and Panwas are unwilling to take the risk [of acting against violators]? The political elites should not be left untouched," he said. "The law disallows it, but there is no consistency in the enforcement of the law, it is being deliberately overlooked."
Arie lamented that responsible government institutions are not doing their jobs properly to address the problem of money politics.
"Panwaslu, the supervisors, they are powerless. The practice of money politics is massive," Arie said. He urged law enforcers to start small and not neglect acts that violate campaign regulations.
"It starts with small commitments. Those who were guilty of airing television advertisements before the prescribed campaigning period should have been punished. So should nailing advertisements on trees, that should not be allowed," Arie said. "If we keep tolerating small matters, they will grow bigger. These parties should be disciplined."
Arie said he was hopeful that money politics could be tackled should necessary changes be made.
"If the representatives are consistent, supervision is effective and the people are being well-educated, we will be able to tackle money politics," he said.
However, Arie expressed his pessimism over the impotence of Indonesia's election law. "The law is not working, there is none of it," he said.
The future of the nation is at stake given the prevalence of money politics. But whether Indonesia can overcome the problem depends on whether people will continue to succumb to temptations of short-term material rewards in the upcoming election.