[From an oped piece in Kompas.com by Sandro Gatra titled "The political gimmicks of regional head candidates".

The initial process in the election of regional heads (Pilkada) usually begins with the introduction of potential candidates in a variety of forms. Unfortunately, the information presented by potential candidates that litter the corners of each region often only accentuates gimmicks rather than substance.

The candidates, who should introduce concrete programs and solutions to regional problems, are instead busier building their self-image, which sometimes seems manipulative.

Various methods are used ranging from interesting visual images to charming rhetoric, to cover the fact that there is no clear or measurable program to advance the region they want to lead.

The many forms of information are not accompanied by lots of ideas and concepts that are distributed. Unfortunately, the more billboards there are, the more hidden are the thoughts and ideas that should be presented in order to be called suitable to run as a regional head candidate.

The public is prepared to memorise their faces so that they become the subject of public discussion. After that, this is followed up by orchestrated mass gatherings.

The corners of the city and the lanes where eating places are found began to be instructed to gather volunteer nodes and prepare potential cheer brokers.

Political brokers are again gathered to make winning designs while preparing a chain of political events. In the meetings being prepared, ideas and concepts are often invisible.

Sometimes ideas and concepts are seen, but more often they are replaced by rhetorical speeches, persuasion, covering a lust for power.

This phenomenon shows how impoverished our political culture is of substance and ideas. The preparations made are limited to the politics of the "sitting down together" with the masses...

The full article in Bahasa Indonesia can be read here: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2024/05/31/13063901/politik-gimik-calon-kepala-daerah