Local loyalties raise concerns ahead of Sulawesi elections

Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar

The influence of royal lineage has been evident in the run up to direct regional elections, which are slated to be held in coming weeks in South Sulawesi province. While the campaign has not yet begun, many candidates running for mayor and regent are already trying to attract voters by stating that they are of noble blood. Candidates in Pangkajene Island (Pangkep) and Gowa regencies, for example, have hung banners in strategic locations in the regencies, to convey the message that they are the descendants of local nobles.

In Pangkep regency, some banners read: Vote for Andi Bau Kemal, the Son of Karaeng Pangkajene. Another banner read: We Want Change, Vote for Pangkep's Native Son Mansyur Arfan Tualle.

In Gowa regency, a banner read: Andi Maddusila Andi Idjo: The Son of the Last Gowa King.

The fact that many candidates are trying to "sell" their royal heritage in South Sulawesi is not surprising as many South Sulawesi residents are still loyal to the local nobles.

Many people in South Sulawesi, especially those who live in the rural areas will be easily influenced to vote for certain candidates, especially if the campaigners are local nobles or prominent people of royal descent.

This represents a threat to democracy as people will vote for candidates based on lineage, not based on the capability of the candidates.

"As local loyalties based on lineage are still deeply rooted in the psyche of the South Sulawesi public, the independence of the public in voting is low. They vote for the candidates because they have emotional ties with them," said Lauddin Marsuni, a lecturer with the Indonesian Muslim University (UMI).

The trend has sparked doubts that the direct elections in South Sulawesi province will produce capable and honest leaders. Moreover, many political parties select candidates based on the service that the candidates have given to the parties.

On the part of the candidates themselves, they will fight to win the elections in order to retain the power of their fathers or grandfathers in the regions and continue to rule certain territories. Candidates exploit the loyalty of the public toward local nobles to drum up support, leading to fanatic displays of loyalty.

This fanaticism could lead to conflicts if it is not managed well. Fanatic supporters are easily mobilized and are ready to die to support and defend the public figures they adore.

Besides the hereditary factor, the elections in South Sulawesi will also be hampered by the presence of various ethnicities in the province, including Javanese, Bugis, Tana Toraja and others. There is the potential for conflict if irresponsible parties play the ethnicity card to gain more votes at the expense of others.

In view of the obstacles, the prospects for democracy in the province are gloomy, but Laudin is optimistic that as time goes by, true democracy will gain a place in the province.

"We cannot expect too much from the direct regional elections, as it is the first time we are holding them. But, at least, it will be an arena for us to learn about democracy," said Lauddin.

Direct elections this year in South Sulawesi will be held in 10 regencies in the province on June 27, namely Gowa, Maros, Selayar, Pangkajene Islands (Pangkep), Tana Toraja, Barru, Soppeng, Luwu Utara, Luwu Timur and Bulukumba.