The action of political parties is still criticized by society. When democratization does not go to an ideal sense, contribution of political parties towards regional development is also doubted. Instead of hoping their role as the main pillar supporting democracy, political parties precisely become part of the problem. The criticism regards to the recent instability of politics, economics, and law in Indonesia.

The criticism was responded by resource persons in The State Dialogue of DPD RI entitled “Contribution of Political Parties to Regional Development” at the Coffee Corner of DPD, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday (18/5). Secretary of the Faction of National Mandate Party (F-PAN) of House of Representatives (DPR) Teguh Juwarno stated that it is fair if society criticizes the performance of political parties. For him, the criticism is a sign of the maturation process of democracy in our society.

As if a representative of society, senator of DPD RI form East Kalimantan, Bambang Susilo, who is also Chairman of Committee II DPD, criticized the minimal role of political parties in guarding strategic issues in the region. Surprisingly, despite society’s assessment that their role is minimal, political parties just exactly like mushroom growing in the rainy season every election is coming up. “Political parties have had only 25% role, but a new political party will emerge when election is getting on,” said Bambang.

In contrast, Secretary of the Faction of Democratic Party (F-PD), Soetan Bathoegana, recognized the minimal role of political parties. Therefore, political parties should become an instrument of recruitment and regeneration of reliable cadre for optimal contribution of political parties in the future. “Our political system is cruel, because of high-cost politics. As a result, the role of political parties is found unreal,” he said.

Soetan reminded how important the simplification of the number of political parties through parliamentary threshold and the electoral threshold of election law as well as strengthening the governance accomplishment and development for the benefit of society, nation and state. “Unfortunately, all political parties concern with the interests of their groups and individuals.”

Given its role as the main pillar supporting democracy, according to Political Research Center of Indonesian Sciences Institute (P2P LIPI), Ikrar Nusa Bhakti, it does not mean that political parties are abolished in the political system in Indonesia. “It is because the image of our government depends on political parties. In fact, political parties determine the country’s impression. Like it or not, political parties have merit in maintaining the Unitary Republic of Indonesia.” (AF/SAF)

Tulisan ini tersedia dalam: Bahasa

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