By: Grace Septiana *
In the last few days, in a casual conversation, I and my close friends discussed politics. One colleague expressed support for the number 1 candidate pair in the 2019 Presidential Election. Another person was on the counter party and chose to support candidate pair number 02. Meanwhile, I was still in the swing voter category who had not made a choice but had studied the track record of the two candidates. Interestingly, another colleague actually showed apathy and confidently declared abstention in the upcoming presidential election.
The reason is classic, as is the reason for other abstentions supporters, the 2019 presidential election will not directly affect his life. There is no benefit and there is no loss for anyone who will be elected later. That was the way of thinking in the relaxed political discussion that we followed. This pattern of view, in my opinion, is very misguided and actually becomes an infectious disease in this country. Basically, abstention can be interpreted as a political attitude of the people who consciously do not exercise their right to vote. The abstentions of abstentions occurred in the 1970s as a sign that the public rejected the electoral system which was undemocratic and tended to force one party. For example, civil servants at that time were required to vote for the Golkar Party.
This attitude seems to have been accepted as a protest against the lack of transparency in Indonesia at that time. However, this behavior is very irrelevant to do at this time. In fact, the current elections in Indonesia are far from the impression of intimidation and even in a very suitable democratic order. The shortcomings and weaknesses in some matters of the organizer of the election are natural things that happen. Everywhere, man-made systems, there will certainly be gaps and shortcomings. Even so, the implementation of a comprehensive general election is a necessity that must be pursued.
The phenomenon of abstention in Indonesia is increasingly chronic and spread throughout the community. In the survey conducted, the number of Abstentions in the 1955 Election ranged from 9%. Meanwhile, in the 2014 election, the number of abstentions rose dramatically to around 30%. It can be said, ignorance of the state is increasing accompanied by low public participation in elections. The attitude of abstentions is clearly a form of public indifference towards the nation’s future. Apparently, this behavior tends to increase due to a lack of public understanding of the losses caused by Golput.
Like a disease, abstinence has a negative impact on this country. Golput’s attitude can cause the worst candidates to be elected and lead in this country. Like the statement of the Turkish President, Erdogan, if good people do not go into politics, then the criminals will fill it. Referring to this statement, the community certainly must be aware that the attitude of abstentions can actually be a door and a gap for poor candidates to lead in Indonesia.
Therefore, the attitude of abstentions is not the right solution, if the two candidates do not fit the criteria of the community. It would be better if the community gives voting rights to candidates who have the least track record compared to other candidates. In addition to saving the country from unfavorable candidates, the community also plays a role in preventing vote manipulation if they give voting rights. At least, the votes that have been used will close the potential for vote manipulation from irresponsible parties.
* Student FISIP at Dharma Agung University