By: Gita Oktaviani )*
In facing the 2024 regional head elections (Pilkada), we must all be alert to the practice of money politics which can harm democracy. Money politics not only destroys the integrity of elections but also destroys people’s trust in the political system. By maintaining honesty and integrity in the election process, we can elect leaders who truly have a vision and mission for the welfare of the people.
Money politics, often referred to as “ money politics ” is one of the greatest threats to the integrity of modern democracy. This practice involves using money or gifts to influence political decisions, especially during elections. In its various forms, money politics undermines the foundations of democracy, reduces public trust, and exacerbates social and economic inequality.
At an event in Menggala Village, East Menggala District, Lampung Province Bawaslu member, Suheri, emphasized the importance of community commitment in rejecting money politics. He hopes that the Participatory Monitoring Village can become a model in efforts to prevent regional election violations. This program not only focuses on supervision but also on education, with intensive outreach to increase public awareness about the dangers of money politics.
Suheri also emphasized that clean regional elections will produce clean leaders. He invited all parties to start monitoring themselves, with the hope of realizing honest regional elections and bringing prosperity to the people.
In this activity, the Saka Adhyasta Election Bawaslu Organization of Tulang Bawang Regency also presented a drama with the theme “Prevent fraud, report violations”, which succeeded in conveying an important message about the dangers of money politics.
Meanwhile, the Chair of Democratic Politics, the Executive Board of the Islamic Student Association (PB HMI), Bambang Irawan, also highlighted the same thing. He believes that Jakarta’s younger generation tends to reject money politics in the 2024 regional elections, because of their higher educational background.
This younger generation, who will dominate the number of voters, is more likely to choose leaders based on a vision and mission that suits their needs, not based on the money on offer.
Bambang emphasized that Jakarta’s young generation, which is expected to reach 67 percent of the population in 2024, will elect leaders who respect their creativity and aspirations. He also advised prospective contestants for the Jakarta gubernatorial election to utilize social media as a means to convey their vision and mission, considering that the younger generation is closer to social media.
Likewise, the General Chair of the Indonesian Muslim Scholars Association (ICMI), Arif Satria, stated that a transactional approach to politics distances democracy from the noble values that should be fought for. Politics should be a tool for building national civilization, not just a struggle for power without ideas. Therefore, there is a need for a total evaluation of the political system in Indonesia, so that the ideals of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) can be realized as initiated by the founding fathers of the nation.
In a political discussion with the theme “2024 Pilkada and the Future of Local Democracy”, Arif and several other speakers discussed the need for fundamental changes in the Indonesian political system. They agree that money politics has damaged the integrity of democracy and only those with large capital can survive in today’s politics.
On the other hand, the Corruption Eradication Commission is also active in campaigning against corruption through various activities. One of them is the KPK Bus Roadshow 2024: Exploring the Country to Build Anti-Corruption which stops in Wonosobo. This activity aims to socialize and campaign for the KPK’s anti-corruption programs to the wider community, including children.
The Regent of Wonosobo, Afif Nurhidayat, welcomed this activity and hoped that it could educate various stakeholders and the general public about the importance of anti-corruption. He emphasized that anti-corruption education is needed from an early age to create a better Indonesia. Afif also stated that the Anti-Corruption Village in Wonosobo Regency is proof of the regional government’s support in eradicating corruption.
Dian Novianthi, Director of Anti-Corruption Education and Training at the KPK, emphasized the KPK’s three main strategies in eradicating corruption: education, prevention and prosecution. The KPK Bus Roadshow is an educational strategy to bring the KPK closer to the community. Dian invited the public to reject money politics and fight the dawn attacks before the Pilkada.
The importance of maintaining election integrity cannot be underestimated. Money politics not only harms democracy, but also damages the social and economic order of society. Every individual has a role in maintaining honesty and integrity in the election process.
By rejecting money politics, we not only elect quality leaders, but also build a better future for the nation.
Be aware of money politics during the 2024 regional elections. The Participatory Monitoring Village in Tulang Bawang Regency and various other initiatives such as the KPK Bus Roadshow are real efforts to combat this practice. The younger generation, especially in Jakarta, has an important role in maintaining election integrity by rejecting money politics.
A total evaluation of the political system in Indonesia is needed to ensure a more inclusive and clean democracy. Let us all play an active role in maintaining the honesty and integrity of elections, for the sake of a better future for the nation.
)* The author is a contributor to the Window Reading Institute
