By : Aditya Anggara )*
Money politics is an attempt to influence the choices of voters or election organizers with material or other rewards. From this understanding, money politics is a form of bribery, so that this practice ultimately gives rise to leaders who only care about personal and group interests, not the people who elect them. He felt obliged to seek profits from his position, one of which was to return the capital spent on the campaign.
The practice of money politics in contesting general elections and regional head elections has a negative impact on democracy, namely damaging the quality of elections. Usually the practice of money politics tends and often occurs during the campaign, the quiet period before voting day and on voting day. This must be prevented by all parties in order to realize quality and dignified elections.
Money politics is one of the five issues of concern for the General Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) ahead of the 2024 General Election. Because this is part of the 2024 Election Vulnerability Index (IKP), it must continue to be monitored.
Meanwhile, Bawaslu member Lolly Suhenty said Bawaslu launched a thematic Election Vulnerability Index (IKP) on the issue of money politics, to remind and map vulnerabilities in order to prioritize prevention efforts. This effort to prevent money politics in elections and regional head elections (pilkada), is in accordance with Article 93 letter e Election Law Number 7 of 2017.
The practice of money politics is a dangerous practice because it is not about winning or losing, but rather destroying the mentality (morals) of citizens and destroying the mentality of state actors (leaders). So the practice of money politics must be conveyed to the public so that they understand the negative impacts of money politics. Apart from that, Bawaslu is collaborating with various interest groups such as the police, prosecutor’s office, government (central and regional), and the community to prevent money politics, so that the 2024 election can run safely and with integrity.
Bawaslu invites the public to reject money politics in the 2024 elections, because it can cause friction between supporters of election participants, divide society, build public distrust and make election organizers weak. So, to create elections that are clean and have integrity, people really need to understand the dangers of money politics, where people have an important role in determining the future of their country. However, people are also not allowed to abstain. Because, this will only benefit candidates who are not credible. Because usually, abstention is carried out by critical people who see that there are no credible candidates. The abstention movement is as dangerous as money politics. Therefore, the public is expected not to abstain and continue to reject the practice of money politics.
The Chairman of Commission I of the West Java DPRD, Bedi Budiman, also said the same thing, who invited the public to reject money politics. Apart from that, Bedi invited community leaders, religious leaders, public figures and all parties to call and promote the rejection of money politics, because it can harm democracy and cause chaos in society.
Money politics is very dangerous because in the end it will only produce leaders or representatives of the people who only care about their group or class. Later, the leaders or representatives of the people will be driven by a handful of investors and give rise to leaders or representatives of the people who do not have the capacity to act as leaders.
Apart from that, money politics will only foster corruption, so that the decisions issued will only benefit certain groups or groups because again, money politics makes political costs very expensive. Therefore, money politics must be fought together, and anti-money politics campaigns must be intensified again, and supervisory instruments must be stricter in monitoring money politics.
Deputy Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Johanis Tanak gave a serious warning regarding money politics, especially ahead of the 2024 election. He highlighted the practice of money politics which is often referred to as “dawn attacks” which often appear before the political year, especially in preparation for the 2024 Election. He also emphasized the need for all parties to be alert to this phenomenon, because money politics aims to influence voters in determining their choices.
Johanis emphasized the importance of political understanding for society, because if you choose based on the influence of money, it will not produce quality leaders for Indonesia in the future. So money politics can have various dangers and negative impacts on the political system, democracy and society in general.
The practice of money politics also allows groups or individuals with large financial resources to influence election outcomes or political policies. This can certainly damage the principles of equality and equality in democracy. In addition, illegitimate money politics can hinder fair political participation and impact the right decisions for the future of society and the nation. So the public must strive for elections to take place fairly and free from damaging financial influences.
)* Equatorial Voice Contributor