Observer on 'Shadow Cabinet': Ideas and concepts are more needed
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Political observer Hendri Satrium, also known as Hensa, believes that the public needs figures or groups that consistently produce ideas, rather than mere critics who rely on the momentum of government policies.
Hensa was responding to the initiative by several academics and civil society activists who recently formed a ‘Shadow Cabinet’.
“Conceptually, the term ‘Shadow Cabinet’ actually diminishes the potential of the civil society group itself. The name is seen as indirectly indicating limitations, because the fundamental nature of a shadow is that it can only passively follow its original object,” said the founder of the KedaiKOPI Survey Institute in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.
“In principle, I see that this ‘Shadow Cabinet’ indirectly acknowledges that they do not have their own agenda. They seem to position themselves only to react to the policies of the ruling power,” said Hensa.
“If the government is silent, the shadow remains silent. This is problematic if the intention is to be a pressure group or an alternative policy provider for the community,” he continued.
Hensa suggested that if the group truly intends to present fresh and bold alternative policies, they should be more confident in formulating the name of their movement.
“If they want to form a counter cabinet, it should simply be called a ‘Counter Cabinet’. The word ‘counter’ has a breaking power. There are ideas being contested, and there is the courage to stand as an equal to offer solutions,” he said.
Hensa also warned that political or civil groups that are too reactive risk losing their credibility.
Previously, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka expressed respect for the public oversight conducted by credible institutions, community input, the media, and the ‘Shadow Cabinet’ initiative undertaken by the youth.
“I respect every survey result, study, or analysis presented by credible institutions. I also respect every form of public participation, including observers, academics, media personnel, as well as the initiatives of young people in providing input or forming a shadow cabinet,” Gibran said in a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday (29/7).
He stated that in a democracy, every citizen has the right to express opinions, provide criticism, and help monitor the course of government. All of this is part of a healthy democratic life.
On Friday (17/7), a community coalition announced the ‘Shadow Cabinet’ initiative, consisting of 15 individuals from academia, activism, and research. Each of these figures is responsible for specific sectors similar to those in the Red and White Cabinet.