Amidst public outcry, the Indonesian legislature has decided not to make changes to election rules under the current government’s term. Concerns have been raised regarding President Joko Widodo’s efforts to influence local elections in order to maintain influence even after stepping down from the presidency. A grand coalition called the Advanced Indonesia Coalition, which supported Mr. Prabowo and Mr. Gibran in the February presidential election, includes parties such as Golkar, Gerindra, the Democratic Party, and the National Mandate Party. Recently, the National Democratic Party, National Awakening Party, and Prosperous Justice Party joined this coalition, leaving the PDI-P alone on a national level. However, different coalitions may form on a regional level for the upcoming November elections.
Law lecturer Mdm. Titi has pointed out that President Widodo is attempting to replicate the Advanced Indonesia Coalition’s influence in local elections by swaying political parties. The dominance and control of Mr. Widodo as the incumbent president who will soon leave office but still wields significant influence is a major issue in the simultaneous regional elections contestation. Efforts to duplicate the Advanced Indonesia Coalition in regional elections have caused controversy, such as the nomination of Golkar member Ridwan Kamil and PKS member Suswono in the Jakarta regional elections. These candidates, backed by a grand coalition of 13 parties, may limit opportunities for non-party members to run for governor in Jakarta.
The decision by political parties to join the Advanced Indonesia Coalition on a national level has left the PDI-P without a coalition, raising questions about their strategy for the upcoming elections. Changes in coalition formations may occur at the regional level, creating a complex political landscape for the November elections. Mdm. Titi highlighted concerns about the growing influence of President Widodo in the election process, which could impact the competitiveness and fairness of the electoral system. The manipulation of candidate nominations to limit competition and control the outcome of elections has raised alarms among observers.
Overall, the political landscape in Indonesia is shifting as different parties align themselves with coalitions in preparation for the upcoming elections. The influence of President Widodo and the Advanced Indonesia Coalition on the electoral process has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the fairness of the elections. With changes in coalition formations and the emergence of new alliances on both national and regional levels, the upcoming elections in November are shaping up to be highly competitive and closely watched by both domestic and international observers. The complex dynamics of party politics, coalition building, and the role of incumbency will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the elections and the future of Indonesian politics.
