Challenge for Celebrity Candidates in 2019 Elections

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

A number of celebrities accompany representatives of the Democratic National Party (Nasdem) leadership to file and register their legislative candidacy for the 2019 general elections at the National Elections Commission (KPU) office in Jakarta on Monday (16/7/2010). Besides becoming members of the parties, such as Tessa Kaunang, Eddies Adelia, Nafa Urbach, Kristina, Khrisna Murti, a number of them are supported by their parties to become legislative candidates. The Nasdem Party became the first party to register its legislative candidates for the 2019 general elections at the KPU.

Having many followers and logistical support is the initial capital for gaining votes in the general election. Political parties have also recruited many celebrities.

Without clearly voicing the people’s hardships, their names have suddenly appeared on the list of legislative candidates. Without necessarily working hard to build their political network, they have suddenly appeared prominently on the list, beating cadres who have struggled to create their political career from the grassroots.

Although it cannot be generalized, the celebrities who have seriously pursued their political careers from the bottom up can be counted on one hand. It is no wonder that the recruitment of celebrities has frequently sparked jealousy among party cadres.

Involving celebrities to gain votes is not a new phenomenon. In the New Order era, Golkar even recruited about 500 celebrities for its campaigns.

Entering the reform era, celebrity engagement in political parties has actually improved. Celebrities are no longer relegated to the periphery, but have taken center stage. They are not merely hired for campaigns, but are also included on the list of the legislative candidates. Many celebrities have become interested in joining political parties because they are determined to make changes. Sys NS, Rieke Dyah Pitaloka, Nurul Arifin, Okky Asokawaty, and Dede Yusuf are just a few of these celebrities.

At least 54 celebrities are registered as candidates for the 2019 general election. The celebrities on the list include Krisdayanti (Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle/PDI-P), Nurul Qomar (Nasdem), Arzeti Bilbina (National Awakening Party/PKB), Ahmad Dani (Gerindra), Giring Nidji (Indonesian Solidarity Party) and Dessy Ratnasari (National Mandate Party/PAN).

Political parties view recruiting celebrities who are also public figures as a quick strategy for gaining votes. Moreover, the competition in the 2019 legislative election will be tighter. The number of contesting national parties has increased from 12 to 16, while the number of contesting candidates has also increased from 6,607 to 8,401. The minimum legislative threshold for political parties to be eligible to compete for House of Representatives seats has also increased from 3.5 percent in the 2014 general election to 4 percent in the 2019 general election.

Surveys by a number of institutions also show that 70 percent of voters determine their ballot on the basis of individual candidates, with only 30 percent of voters swayed by political parties.

In order to face the tight competition, political parties should install a system for grooming celebrities, and their nomination should not come as a surprise or be instant. When promoting celebrities as party candidates, the celebrities should understand the party ideology and be dedicated to fighting for the people’s interests. The duty and authority of the House is to absorb, gather, accommodate and pursue the aspirations of the people as reflected through its supervisory, legislative and budgeting functions.

How many celebrities dare to speak up in defending the voice of the people against their factions? How many dare to uncover corruption cases, including in the House? We long for people\'s representatives, including those from the celebrity circle, who are great and vocal people, not closed and silent people, as in Iwal Fals’ message.