Researcher Says VIctory of Jokowi's Political Dynasty a 'Loss for Democracy'

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The head of Polmak Research Centre Eep Saefulloh claimed that the victory of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's political dynasty in the upcoming general elections would be a certain loss for democracy. According to Eep, democracy must be repaired in stages.

Eep relayed this statement during a virtual discussion on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, titled "Democracy's Future if Jokowi's Dynasty Triumphs". The general elections, he believed, could be the initial move for those who believe in democracy.

The general elections, including one for presidential candidacy, are slated for February 14, 2024. Jokowi's son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, runs for vice president alongside Prabowo Subianto.

"If Jokowi wins, democracy loses," said Eep, who was Jokowi's political consultant in 2014. "There is no guarantee that Anies (Baswedan) or Ganjar (Pranowo)'s victory means a victory of democracy. In principle, democracy must always be fought for."

Jokowi has never been blatant in his support of any specific presidential candidate. However, Gibran Rakabuming is deemed by many as a representation of Jokowi's political dynasty. The Solo Mayor, aged 36, was able to enter the ring of the presidential election through a controversial presidential age limit decision by the Constitutional Court, led by his own uncle, Anwar Usman.

Prabowo's side recently claimed to have the clear support from Jokowi. Prabowo, who is holding office as the Defense Minister, named and declared the Advanced Indonesia Coalition as "Team Jokowi". This is a cause of worry for President Jokowi's neutrality in the upcoming general elections.

In the Tuesday discussion, Eep said democracy would allow for a more democratic way of life. On the other hand, democracy believes everyone has the potential to fight for a narrow interest.

Thus, Eep believed that after ensuring a short-term loss for Jokowi, there must be a medium-term step to limit the president's power at the end of their administration. Additionally, rehabilitating Indonesia's democracy by reviewing damaged laws such as the KPK Law and Omnibus Law is necessary. "It's a neverending fight in democracy," he concluded.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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