By: Grace Septiana )*
2019 Presidential Election is a political arena to choose the leaders of Indonesia in the 2019-2024 period. In the political contestation, there are 2 Presidential candidates who will fight for the Wahid number seat in Indonesia. One contestant who is currently quite a concern in the 2019 presidential election is Prabowo Subianto. A figure who is considered firm and disciplined as well as emotional and unstable. However, what is the direction of democracy if later Prabowo is elected as number 1 leader in Indonesia?
If you look at the style of political communication, Prabowo is an offensive and emotional figure even explosive. In each speech and campaign, it is not uncommon for the public to see a burning spirit in him. Maybe, he was trying to revive Soekarno’s figure in him. Starting from the authentic way of dressing to explosive speeches imitated in such a way. Unfortunately, these efforts did not bring Prabowo’s stigma as Soekarno’s incarnation leader. The community seems smart enough to distinguish between Soekarno’s original spirit and where Prabowo’s enthusiasm was temperamental.
Of course it is commonplace, if Prabowo tries to show a firm and passionate leadership style. However, it would be very unfortunate if the leadership style was supported by an emotional person. It may not be an exaggeration to say that the State will be very threatened if it is led by an emotional figure. You can imagine how the policy subjectivity will be issued. The case of Ratna Sarumpaet is one of the real reflections of Prabowo’s subjectivity in making decisions. Without any validation, he with all his anxiety immediately appeared in public to blame certain parties for the incident.
Prabowo’s attitude that seemed to be quickly ignited by emotions was not only reflected in the case of Ratna Sarumpaet. Recently, Prabowo again showed his temperament towards the media in Indonesia. Because, Prabowo seemed to be building a narrative against the media because he did not report 11 million Reunion 212 participants who came to the National Monument. According to him, the mass media is currently unfair in presenting information to the public. In fact, Prabowo also expressed his frustration by accusing the media of being a stooge of people who wanted to destroy Indonesia.
Looking at Prabowo’s attitude, I remembered at a glance the new order period in which the media had to accommodate the interests of the ruler at that time. Not much different, Prabowo’s narrative against the media seemed to order the media to present information in accordance with their political interests. Instead of gaining sympathy, the public and the media actually saw Prabowo’s statement as a threat to democracy since broadcasting news or information was the right of journalists who were protected by law.
Furthermore, I imagine the picture if later Prabowo was elected President. When there is news that is not pleasing, it may not only provide a narrative against the media but also silence the media narrative itself. It feels, it’s not too excessive to judge the direction of democracy will collapse, if Prabowo is elected and wins.
*) FISIP Student at Dharma Agung University