More than half of the young legislative candidates elected to the DPR are indicated by political dynasties

The number of young Indonesian elected legislative candidates is below the global average. Apart from that, the percentage also does not represent the population.

KOMPAS/WILLY MEDI CHRISTIAN NABABAN

Head of the Department of Politics and Social Change at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Arya Fernandes, presented data on the findings of young legislative candidate members (caleg) elected in Jakarta on Wednesday (24/4/2024).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) found that as many as 50 of the 87 young DPR member candidates who have a high chance of passing are associated with political dynasties. This is the impact of high political costs and the superiority of incumbent legislative candidates. Apart from that, the low number of selected young legislative candidates is also not representative of the national population.

Referring to 2023 Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) data, the number of DPR members aged 40 years is 18.8 percent, while legislative candidates (caleg) elected in Indonesia's 2024 Election are only 15 percent (87 people). Young legislative members are people aged 40 years or under when appointed as members of the DPR.

From research conducted by CSIS released in Jakarta on Wednesday (24/4/2024), the figure of 15 percent of total young parliamentary members in Indonesia is the lowest since the 1999 elections. However, young people were previously widespread as DPR members during the 2009 elections with a gain of 23.2 percent of seats.

If further examined, as many as 50 out of 87 DPR members aged under 40 have kinship relations with political officials categorized by CSIS as political dynasties. This means that young people who advance and win in the 2024 Legislative Election cannot be separated from the background of their relationship as children, siblings, spouses, nephews, and others of political officials.

A total of 50 out of 87 members of parliament who are under the age of 40 have family relationships with political officials categorized as political dynasties by CSIS.

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Motorbike riders pass by billboards for legislative candidates on Jalan Laksamana Malahayati, East Jakarta, Tuesday (9/1/2024).

Vote conversion

For the record, the number of candidates who have a high chance of being elected is compiled from the conversion of votes to DPR seats based on the Sainte Lague method, in accordance with the mandate of the Election Law. Meanwhile, the General Election Commission (KPU) has so far not named any candidate for elected DPR members because it is still waiting for the completion of the dispute process over the results of the 2024 Legislative Election at the Constitutional Court.

According to CSIS Head of Department of Politics and Social Change Arya Fernandes, the phenomenon of young political dynasties who run and win in the 2024 Legislative Elections cannot be separated from the high cost of national politics. Incumbent candidates also try to maintain their political careers that have been built for a long time, resulting in lower chances for young candidates to be elected.

Also read: CSIS: Hundreds of Elected Legislative Candidates Indicated to be Associated with Political Dynasties

"Friends of legislative candidates generally don't start their political careers immediately. Fighting in the DPR is not easy, especially since the electability rate for incumbents is increasing. "Then, young people also fight with those who have highprivileges," he said.

Not representative

The low percentage of young people in parliament, according to Arya, is not representative of the national population. This is because 53-55 percent or 107-108 million voters are people aged 40 years and below.

"The number of young people in parliament is not representative of the national population. For example, half of the population is under the age of 40, while their representatives in the DPR only make up 15 percent. This certainly does not represent the aspirations brought by the people," he explained.

Young people also fight with those who have high privileges.

Therefore, according to Arya, political elites need to push for the creation of equal politics for all, especially in terms of the representation of young politicians, women, and those from ordinary backgrounds.

The evaluation of the electoral system is necessary to improve the effectiveness and political representation between representatives and constituents. This can be done by implementing quotas for legislative candidacy and political party management for those under the age of 40.

"The electoral system needs to ensure political balance and equality among different societal groups so that elected members of parliament at least approach the population's characteristics," he added.

DATA CALEG CSIS

CSIS Candidate Data

Special strategy

For young elected candidates like Kawendra Lukistian from the Gerindra Party in the East Java IV constituency, a special strategy is needed to be able to enter parliament. He started his political career by joining the campaign team since 2009 and has been active behind the scenes.

For members of Gerindra, politicians should not only see and take opportunities, but also create them. That's why our seniors often give us tasks and opportunities.

The 2024 election is the first time Kawendra is running as a candidate. Prior to becoming a legislative candidate, he first built connections or political mentors and established closeness with the elite of Gerindra party, including the Chief Secretary of the Gerindra Party, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad.

"For Gerindra cadres, politicians should not just look for opportunities and take them, but also create opportunities. That's why seniors often give tasks and opportunities to us," he said.

Also read: Accepting the KPU's Determination, Prabowo Invites All Parties to Work Together

Similar to Kawendra, the elected candidate from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) in the West Java VI electoral district, M Kholid, began his political career by becoming an expert staff member for a member of parliament. He changed commissions several times until he entered the inner circle of the PKS Central Leadership Council (DPP).

Meanwhile, the elected candidate from the Golkar Party in the East Java V electoral district, Ahmad Irawan, began his political career through the Golkar Party Youth Force (AMPG). He also previously ran as a candidate in the 2019 General Elections, but failed. After that, he gathered personal funds to win the contest.