Observers Argue Instant Practices Could Damage Party Democracy

Jakarta, VIVA – A lecturer in Constitutional Law at the University of Indonesia, Titi Anggraini, assesses that one indicator of unhealthy governance in internal party democracy is the election of a general chairman who does not originate from the party’s cadres.

This was stated at the National Seminar organised by Pinter Hukum, titled Independence of Political Parties, Strengthening Internal Solidarity and Mitigating External Intervention, held at the National Library, Jakarta, on Saturday, 28 March 2026.

According to Titi, party leadership should reflect a consistent cadre development process within the party. She emphasises that decision-making must be conducted democratically, involving the voices of officials and members.

“The general chairman of a political party should truly be the result of a cadre development mechanism. The decision-making process in the party must also be democratic, listening to the aspirations of officials and members,” said Titi.

Titi also criticises the practice of instant leaders emerging within the party. She assesses that, although parties are open, leadership should still be held by individuals who have gone through a long process as cadres.

“A person who has just joined, even within a matter of days, should not suddenly become the general chairman. The party must still be managed by cadres who have progressed within it,” she added.

In agreement, political observer Adi Prayitno asserts that a healthy political party must not recruit figures instantly without a clear track record merely for certain interests.

“A strong and solid party must not, for any reason, recruit figures with unclear backgrounds and then suddenly make them the general chairman. That is clearly unhealthy,” Adi stated firmly.

He also emphasises the importance of maintaining the party’s independence from various forms of external intervention. According to him, the party’s strength lies in a solid recruitment and cadre development system.

“If you want a strong, stable, and sustainable party, the key lies in good recruitment and consistent cadre development, without intervention from any party,” he concluded.