Criminalization of politics is a lethal cocktail

Criminalization of politics is a lethal cocktail

By Sidhesh Kaul

JAKARTA (JP): As Indonesia prepares for the upcoming June
general election, there is the growing danger of criminal
elements creeping into the political arena. The combination of
corruption and criminalization in politics is a deadly cocktail
which, over a period of time, could pose a serious threat to
Indonesian democracy.

This unholy nexus in Indonesian politics has its roots in
economic circumstances, and unemployment, illiteracy, poverty and
hunger will fuel its unhealthy growth. The heady ideological
enthusiasm displayed by students during the stormy days of May
1998 is being replaced by the cool calculations of political
pundits. This coming election is vital because it will determine
Indonesia's economic path as well as the fate of its fledgling
efforts at democracy.

What does "criminalization of politics" mean? In general
terms, it means the use of economic power or physical power by
politicians, particularly during elections. It could also take
the form of politicians aiding and abetting criminals (and may
also include interference with law enforcement agencies).

Another aspect of this problem is the politicization of the
administration, particularly the police, with the latter obliging
ruling politicians by permitting interference in their efforts at
law enforcement.

There is also the danger of criminals taking refuge under the
umbrella of politics as a means of legitimizing their existence
(in other words the "politicization of criminals"). These are all
different facets of this many headed devil and the sooner
Indonesians become aware of this latent danger the better the
chances democracy will survive, even under the most trying of
circumstances.

Indonesia is ripe for this nexus to bloom in its political
system. The phoenix of democratic aspirations is rising out of
the ashes of years of collusion between "big money", the powers
that be and the Army.

This collusive equation was defined several decades ago and
has put down deep roots in Indonesian soil. Old habits die hard
and it is unlikely the equation will change overnight.

Today, even as the embers of reformasi (reformation) glow,
there are instances of blatant favoritism parading in the garb of
"transparency".

Intellectuals and ideologues, although aware of this malaise,
need to see such practices in the bigger context and not use them
to narrow electoral ambitions or to settle old scores. This is an
opportune time to build a foundation upon which Indonesia can
build a system of clean governance.

Most Indonesians live in rural areas without basic necessities
and are completely ignorant of their rights. It is these rural
Indonesians who will become cannon fodder if Indonesia does not
establish a system of clean governance. Who will hear their
pleas? What steps are being taken to ensure their interests are
not ignored this time around?

Many people refuse to believe Indonesia's power nexus can be
broken and that a fair and free system, be it electoral or
otherwise, can prevail. With cynicism comes a crisis of
confidence. Tools of governance (executive, military or
judiciary) cannot function effectively in an underlying climate
of nonconfidence.

So where does the solution lie? Definitely not in any new,
explosive, revolutionary style upheaval. Empowering the people is
the key to building a new, clean system of governance. This can
be achieved by strengthening the judiciary and arming it with the
weapons it needs to rightfully claim the title "protector of the
people". Power must come from the people and a good system would,
over time, provide the checks and balances to allow this to take
place. More importantly, the judiciary must be independent and
free from influence.

Political ideologues and intellectuals need to adopt "clean
governance" as a platform and a commitment to the masses. None of
the political parties contesting the upcoming general election
are talking about how "clean and upright" they are or what
programs they will introduce to provide clean and fair governance
-- instead they are crying themselves hoarse about "three decades
of political and economic tyranny".

Needless to say, it is easier to politicize "wrongs". Why else
do we see so many political manifestos which simply promise not
to repeat the mistakes of the past without explaining how they
will provide a better future.

The writer is an observer of economics and political affairs
based in Jakarta.