Independence and voter confidence  Wimar Witoelar  ;   Spokesman for former Indonesian president Abdurrahman  “Gus Dur”  Wahid

JAKARTA POST,  21 Februari 2014

                                                                                         

                                                                                                                       

The article “Governor Jokowi: A choice, not an echo” published on Feb. 6 in The Jakarta Post, has attracted positive and negative attention. As in all democratic propositions, opinion must be divided. Some valid reactions to a Jokowi presidential candidacy are based on the concern that it would be difficult to get off the ground as the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) matriarch, Megawati Soekarnoputri, is not necessarily open to the idea unless she is assured control of the party ticket by having her proxy as a running mate. The article is not really about Jakarta Governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, but about the need for drastic action on climate change, which requires a paradigm shift away from politics as usual. It is about citizens making a choice for concerted action. We invite political engagement — voting — to meet the crucial challenges of this and the next generation. The fundamental problem today is greed, exemplified by the two leading candidates-to-be for the presidency. Politics is an instrument of greed, but can also be an instrument of reform. The 2014 election year is an excellent opportunity for citizens to exercise a choice. Do we want to risk a return to strong state power, human rights abuses and the continuation of corruption? Or will voters opt for a fresh start with fresh candidates. At this moment Jokowi is apparently the only person who could effectively generate enough electoral power to dislodge the grip that corruption has on the political system. Voters despair to such a degree that they find hope in the most unlikeliest of people to run for seats in the House of Representatives. The opportunity to elect Jokowi brings important challenges. An important consideration is what would happen should Jokowi leave the gubernatorial position he assumed in October 2012. By law, his deputy Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama would automatically ascend to the governor position. The deputy governor position would then be vacant until the next election in 2017. Some people see that as a problem, while others see it as a political opportunity. It would be a great opportunity for the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party, which officially backs Ahok. It is a matter of concern that recently Ahok staged widely publicized visits to Gerinda chief patron Prabowo Subianto’s home and had a long talk followed by a public declaration of mutual loyalty. If the impression strengthens that Ahok is a loyalist of Prabowo, it would cause a serious weakening of credibility. Ahok has a public image based on action, independence and loyalty to the people. A loss of perceived independence would mean a loss of credibility. Reminding people that Ahok is not his own man is not necessarily helpful to Ahok’s credentials as a successor to Jokowi. It would also be damaging to a Jokowi presidential nomination as it would contribute to a loss of independence. Jokowi and Ahok contested the Jakarta election under the banners of the PDI-P and Gerindra and eventually beat the incumbent governor who was nominated by the ruling party and supported by the rest of political parties represented in the City Council in the runoff. The independence and credibility of the two most popular public officials in Jakarta is paramount. They must take care not to lose public support by exposing their dependence on political party bosses. People are voting against greed, human rights abuses and corruption. We need a clean slate to deal with the pressing problems of climate change. It will not be a campaign for Jokowi but a campaign against cynical politicians. It will be a rejection of unpalatable choices, rather than the coronation of the brightest in the land. ●