Registration for Candidates for Governor of West Kalimantan Dominated by "Old Faces"
The lack of young figures in the registration market is partly due to barriers to access to decision makers in political parties.
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By
EMANUEL EDI SAPUTRA
·4 minutes read
KOMPAS/EMANUEL EDI SAPUTRA
The incumbent Governor of West Kalimantan, Sutarmidji (left), submitted a registration form to run as a candidate for the governor of West Kalimantan in the 2024 Regional Elections to the Regional Leadership Council of the Democratic Party of West Kalimantan on Friday (5/4/2024).
PONTIANAK, KOMPAS - The registration of prospective candidates for West Kalimantan Governor is dominated by "old faces". The lack of young figures in the registration process is considered due to barriers in accessing decision-makers within political parties. Building solid electability and social capital also requires significant costs and time.
However, these obstacles do not apply to those who are part of political dynasties. Because, those who are part of political dynasties are supported by family networks within the political dynasty.
During the registration and selection of candidates for the governor and vice-governor of West Kalimantan in 2024, the names registering as governor candidates in several political parties (parpol) are dominated by familiar faces. They often appear in public in various political contests.
They, among others, are the Governor of Kalbar 2018-2013 Sutarmidji and Deputy Governor of West Kalimantan 2018-2023 Ria Norsan. Then, Chairman of the Regional Leadership Council (DPD) PDI-P Lasarus and former regent of Kubu Raya Muda Mahendrawan.
Political parties in the regions have submitted several names, including those four names, to the Central Leadership Council (DPP) for discussion. Some parties are also beginning to test the electability of several registered names, including those four names, before submitting their decision to the DPP.
Lecturer in election law at the University of Indonesia, Titi Anggraini, Friday (10/5/2024), said that nominations are a reflection of the internal situation of political parties. When internal political parties who lead and dominate the political party structure are old figures, they are also the ones who make decisions. Finally, the recommended possibilities for progress in pilkada are also old figures.
DOKUMENTASI PRIBADI AGAPITUS
One of the routes taken by legislative candidates in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, during the 2024 election campaign.
The nomination also reflects the internal power dynamics within the party. The power within the party is controlled by those who are part of the party's elite structure and control the party's funding, making them more financially stable in terms of election financing.
"That is not unrelated to the regional elections situation, where the majority of campaign work is burdened on the candidates. They also have greater capital than young figures," said Titi.
This relates to the reality of financing for winning elections depending on the candidate. In addition, there is a high cost politics in Indonesia's local elections. This high cost politics is influenced by pragmatic factors.
When the leading and dominating figures within political parties are old figures, the decisions made will also come from them. Ultimately, the recommended candidates for the regional elections (pilkada) are also old figures.
Furthermore, in regional elections, the candidacy is centralized. Endorsement of candidates can only be done if the candidate receives a recommendation from the central board. Meanwhile, access to the central board is controlled by the old figures of political parties' elites.
"Young people or young political figures face barriers to accessing decision makers within political parties, capital barriers, and centralized candidacy," said Titi.
High cost
On the other hand, building electability also requires costs. Geographically, the regional elections in Indonesia cover a vast area. To reach voters, a political network and capital are needed. Meanwhile, for young people, accessing leadership positions in a party alone is not easy, especially in the elite positions. They must have social capital, which requires time to build a strong political base.
"That is the advantage for young people who become part of dynastic politics because they are supported by kinship networks and capital," said Titi.
The difficulty of young people to build a strong electability and social capital is described by one former candidate for the Regional People's Representative Council of Sintang District for Sintang 4 electoral district from Hanura Party, Marlensia Emy, on Friday morning.
To win over constituents, one must face challenging conditions. In fact, he once cried on the road when he was stuck in a muddy road and crossed dozens of slippery hills.
DOKUMENTASI PRIBADI PEGGY
One of the routes taken by legislative candidates in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, during the 2024 election campaign.
Despite taking real action in the village, it was still not easy to gain votes. Out of the targeted 400 votes, he was only able to obtain 100 votes in one of the villages he visited, resulting in not being elected.
A similar situation was also experienced by Agapitus, a former candidate for DPRD Kabupaten Ketapang Dapil 3 from PDI-P. Despite having social capital in the electoral district, pragmatism in the community made it difficult for him to gain votes.
Furthermore, the coverage area is challenging. She has to navigate rapid and rocky rivers by boat every time she wants to meet with constituents. Reaching certain areas requires high costs, especially those reached via river.
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