CIDISS – Money politics is not only interpreted in the form of money, but also other material in the form of gifts, for example, or souvenirs of other campaign materials, the amount of which exceeds the provisions. This is usually considered effective to influence prospective voters. Sometimes ordinary people do not know that this is money politics. So they just accept what is given. The previous general election had a jargon “take the money, don’t choose the person”.
However, the regulation is of course different now, that those who receive and give will be subject to sanctions. The sanction will be given depending on the fulfillment of the formal and material elements. Candidates for regional heads who carry out money politics cannot be denied that they have the potential to become the seeds of corruption. It is common knowledge that the candidate will return their campaign capital when they win the general election. Of course, this will pollute democracy in Indonesia.
In addition to money politics, which is often a crucial issue in the campaign stage is the politicization of ethnicity, religion, race and intergroup (SARA). SARA politicization is often used so that each contestant can look more attractive to hit or overthrow political opponents in the competition. Even though so far, the prohibition on the politicization of SARA has been contained in existing regulations. If it is proven to violate this matter, the parties concerned will be subject to criminal sanctions and sanctions based on the laws and regulations.
Now, all elements of society must guard various crucial issues that arise such as money politics and the politicization of SARA during the campaign stage to vote counting and counting. Because, both of these things can damage joint joint democracy and eliminate sportsmanship values in a general election contestation.
By: Mirwan Achmad *)