Jakarta - Despite being marred by conflicts between the supporters of candidates, there is no reason to write off direct regional elections as they are needed to consolidate democracy in the country, analysts say.
Political analyst Sukardi Rinakit said Monday an end to direct elections for governors, mayors and regents would endanger the country`s blossoming democracy.
Sukardi was commenting on Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman Hasyim Muzadi, who urged last week for a revival of elections by regional legislatures, citing the huge cost of direct elections and their vulnerability to conflicts.
"Pak Hasyim`s idea indeed ensures efficiency in terms of funding," Sukardi told Antara.
Sukardi, who leads the Soegeng Saryadi Syndicate thinktank, however, challenged Hasyim`s argument that direct elections were a source of conflict.
Of the roughly 340 regional elections that have been held since the first direct election in 2005, only about 1 percent of them resulted in violence.
"The percentage of conflict-ridden elections is small," Sukardi said.
He said he doubted indirect elections by local legislatures could save funding, saying the issue of election budgets had always fallen in "a gray area".
Indirect elections, too, will help the legislature and political parties to rebuild the oligarchy of local politics, he said.
"On top of that, indirect elections lack public accountability as the public never know or never get informed about the platforms of candidates," Sukardi said.
Following conflicts between supporters in the gubernatorial elections in South Sulawesi and North Maluku, Hasyim called for the termination of direct regional elections.
"In five years, people must face six elections, ranging from village heads, district heads, governors, the House of Representatives members, the Regional Representatives Council members and the presidential elections. These (elections) have the potential to polarize the public," he said after meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Friday.
Hasyim argued the political movement`s interests before and after elections often clashed with society`s broader interests, especially in terms of religion, and could threaten national unity.
The call by the largest Muslim organization comes in light of the recent violence, mass rallies and continuing disputes over direct elections in regions such as South Sulawesi and North Maluku.
Hasyim said a number of direct elections had polarized society and negatively affected the grassroots, many of whom are NU members. He suggested direct elections be held only for presidential and DPR elections.
"Indonesia`s doors are wide open without censorship, allowing issues of religion-based politics and other conflicts to emerge. NU stresses the value of including nationality and national unity in religion," he said.
Hasyim said dropping direct elections at the municipal and gubernatorial levels would not be a setback for democracy. However, he conceded the regional legislative council elections could also create political graft.
"For sure, it`s a money game. But it`s better than if democracy becomes a commodity," he said.
Besides religious awareness, Hasyim also emphasized the need to raise people`s understanding of politics. For 10 years, he said, Indonesians have been going through "social disasters", while also dealing with natural disasters in the past three years.
"We need to consolidate and build stronger tolerance within society. If we can`t overcome all the problems, it will result in disintegration," he said.
Hasyim, accompanied by NU`s vice general manager Tolchah Hassan, met with the President to ask him to deliver a welcome speech at a celebration for NU`s 82nd anniversary on Feb. 3 at Bung Karno Stadium in Senayan, Central Jakarta.
Source: www.thejakartapost.com (30 Januari 2008)
