Pilkada Blues

Many Jakartans viewing voting as a prospective wind of change must be readying themselves for the coming August 8 gubernatorial election, or Pilkada Jakarta.

One can from observation alone have some idea on the financial resources that have been drawn down to stage the extravagance—still counting. The almost sudden displays of banners and posters on major and minor roads, and the media coverage far outliving the legally affixed curfew for the purpose, could not have been more indicative.

And no one will know the total Rupiah spent to garner sympathies, affect popularity, and buy votes. Some commentators remarked, almost as excuses, it should best be seen as a form of wealth distribution that would not have reached the poor otherwise. If this reasoning was sound, then Jakartans should hold elections two or three times a year.

Some people would be intrigued to think the inevitability of such spending; some may question the necessity; candidates and proponents may believe they must put it under their closets as to how they will take back after such capital inlays—for there never is free lunch.

By virtue political parties are not economically productive. They will grow more and more into economic institutions chasing real economic profits. Some of their cadres next join the Government, another agency as economically unproductive.

Each recurring election is a period of pain thrusted upon us, forcing us to reflect on our paralyses. It dawns on us, if for the first time again, how institutions supposedly to serve the nation care only for the economic interests of their own groups; or how most hopeful leaders must rid of their first signs of leadership qualities if they are to succeed.

The combination of the current system and present circumstance allows but one conclusion: whoever wins this Pilkada will make no difference. For the song will be sung—the same old and only one.

And Jakartans, of course, will get the leader they deserve.