Paslon Tunggal di 43 Daerah, Kemunduruan Demokrasi [Selamat Pagi Indonesia]

Summary

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of 'empty city' in the 2024 simultaneous regional elections in Indonesia, where 43 regions are likely to have only a single candidate. The conversation explores reasons behind this trend, including the impact of recent political coalitions formed during the presidential election, pragmatic party politics, and the MK decision 60/2023 that opened opportunities for more varied candidates but was too late for some regions to adjust. The implications for democracy, including public protests and the importance of providing a real choice to voters, are also discussed.

Takeaways

• 🗳️ 43 districts are expected to have only a single candidate for the 2024 simultaneous regional elections (Pilkada).
• 📉 The trend of single-candidate districts has been increasing since the 2017 Pilkada.
• 🤝 The formation of large coalitions post-2019 presidential election influences parties to maintain their alliances, leading to fewer independent candidates.
• 🏛️ The recent Constitutional Court (MK) ruling no. 60 has potentially prevented an even higher number of single-candidate districts.
• 🚫 The MK decision came quite late, about a week before candidate registration opened, causing many parties to stick with their existing coalitions.
• 📉 Despite the MK ruling, the number of uncontested seats has increased from less than 10 in 2017 to around 43 in 2024.
• 🔽 However, when compared to the total number of contested seats, the percentage of uncontested seats has decreased due to the large number of regions holding Pilkada simultaneously.
• 👥 Public reactions vary, with some supporting 'empty city' movements as a form of protest against the lack of candidate diversity.
• 🗣️ The 'empty city' movement reflects public dissatisfaction with the political situation and the desire for more varied choices in regional elections.
• 🌐 The phenomenon could impact national leadership regeneration, as Pilkada is typically a breeding ground for future national leaders.

Q & A

What is the phenomenon of 'kota kosong' mentioned in the script?

The phenomenon of 'kota kosong' refers to the situation where only a single candidate is offered to voters for an election, leaving the voting box 'empty' or without choice for other candidates.

How many regions are expected to have a single candidate in the 2024 simultaneous regional elections?

According to the script, there are 43 regions expected to have only a single candidate in the 2024 simultaneous regional elections.

What are the factors contributing to the occurrence of single-candidate regions in the 2024 regional elections?

Factors include the continuation of coalitions formed during the presidential elections, pragmatic political parties preferring to join larger coalitions, and the influence of the recent Constitutional Court decision (MK) that allows for more varied candidates.

How does the Constitutional Court decision (MK) number 60 impact the regional elections?

The decision opened up the possibility for more varied candidates to run for regional head positions, potentially increasing competition. However, it came quite late, which may not have significantly changed the number of single-candidate regions.

What is the historical context of 'kota kosong' in Indonesian regional elections?

The concept of 'kota kosong' has been present in past regional elections, with the number of single-candidate regions increasing from under 10 in 2017 to 43 in 2024.

Why is the increase in single-candidate regions a concern for democracy?

The increase in single-candidate regions can be a concern for democracy because it limits voter choice and competition, which are essential aspects of a healthy democratic process.

What is the role of 'kota kosong' in accommodating voters who do not wish to vote for a single candidate?

The 'kota kosong' option provides a choice for voters who do not want to vote for a single candidate, reflecting their dissatisfaction with the limited options presented to them.

What are the implications of 'kota kosong' for the regeneration of national leadership in Indonesia?

The phenomenon of 'kota kosong' can impact the regeneration of national leadership because regional elections are often seen as a breeding ground for future national leaders.

What actions can the public take if they are dissatisfied with the single-candidate situation?

The public can support the 'kota kosong' movement, protest, or engage in campaigns to demand more varied choices in regional elections.

How can the occurrence of 'kota kosong' be avoided according to the regulations?

The occurrence of 'kota kosong' can be avoided if political parties engage in proper cadre development and are not afraid to compete in regional elections, as well as adhering to the regulations that require a certain percentage of party representation in local legislatures to nominate candidates.

What are the potential consequences of the 'kota kosong' phenomenon for the future of Indonesian democracy?

The 'kota kosong' phenomenon can lead to a lack of competition and variety in political leadership, potentially undermining the democratic process and public trust in elections.