TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Based on Tempo’s observation, there are at least 36 regional chiefs that are predicted to have built their own political dynasty. The leaders in some regions are all related, such as the governors, district chiefs up until the mayors in a single province.
One could say that dynastic politics is most extreme in Banten province. The deputy district chief of Pandeglang, mayor of South Tangerang, mayor of Serang, and deputy chief of Serang are all relatives of Banten Governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah. Through this dynasty, Atut’s family is suspected to have power over various projects in Banten. Meanwhile, Tangerang’s deputy district chief Ahmed Zaki Iskandar is the son of the Tangerang district chief. All of these leaders are from the Golkar party.
Political observer from the Indonesian National Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Siti Zuhro, says dynastic politics appear due to democracy being riddled with feudalism. As a result, the family uses this practice to extend its reach of power.
Siti explained those involved in Banten’s dynastic politics use the Golkar party as a solo transportation method. However, in various other regions, political dynasties are spread throughout various political parties. This practice is considered a strategy to garner votes based on the regions they intend to take over.
Siti said that a law needs to be created to regulate the practices of dynastic politics. Without any legal ground, these families will say that there is no law that forbids them from extending their power through their family as an excuse. She also advised the government to provide political education to the public to avoid them being trapped in money politics.
"Policy upholders must also provide an example by not electing their relatives as regional chiefs as well," she said.
Home Affairs Minister Gamawan Fauzi said the government has proposed a law to limit dynastic politics, which prohibits married couples or those in direct lineage with district chiefs to run for regional elections.
SUNDARI | PRIHANDOKO | FEBRIANA FIRDAUS | KHAIRUL ANAM | ANTON WILLIAM