Jakarta 8/11/2025, WorldWartaGlobal Id
The role of political volunteers in Indonesia's current democratic landscape has evolved from mere campaign supporters to informal actors who often undermine democratic principles and governance. The following is a systematic and reflective description of the destructive impact of political volunteers on democracy at the central, regional, and village levels:
1. Political Volunteers: From Participation to Power Penetration
Political volunteers were initially positioned as symbols of citizen participation in electoral democracy. However, in practice, many volunteers have transformed into informal forces demanding access to post-election power. They are not subject to formal mechanisms, yet often wield significant influence in decision-making.
2. The Deterioration of Democracy in the Central Government
a. Weakening of Formal Institutions
Volunteers close to the political elite are often given strategic positions without a transparent selection process. This undermines the meritocratic system and weakens state institutions.
b. Politics of Rewards
Volunteers demand rewards in the form of positions, projects, or budget access. As a result, public policy is often compromised for the benefit of group interests.
c. Distortion of Accountability
Because they lack formal status, volunteers are not subject to public oversight mechanisms, making it difficult to hold them accountable.
3. The Deterioration of Democracy in Regional Government
a. Interference in Bureaucratic Processes
Volunteers often interfere in the appointment of regional officials, procurement of goods/services, and budget allocation, despite lacking technical competence.
b. Policy Fragmentation
Volunteers' agendas are often inconsistent with regional development plans, resulting in inconsistencies and conflicts of interest.
c. Politicization of Civil Servants and Public Programs
Civil servants are forced to defer to volunteers who pursue political interests, not professionalism.
4. The Deterioration of Democracy in Village Government
a. Weakening of Village Deliberations
Volunteers close to the village head often ignore participatory mechanisms such as village deliberations and replace them with unilateral decisions.
b. Manipulation of Village Funds
Volunteers encourage the use of village funds for political or group interests, rather than the needs of the residents.
c. Undermining the Role of Village Institutions
The Village Consultative Body (BPD), the Village Consultative Body (LPM), and community leaders often lose their role due to the dominance of volunteers who lack structural legitimacy.
5. Critical Reflection
a. Democracy is not just about elections, but also about transparent, accountable, and participatory governance.
b. Unrestricted political volunteers can become a source of corruption, conflicts of interest, and institutional weakening.
c. Clear regulations and oversight mechanisms are needed for the role of volunteers after the election.
6. Recommended Actions
a. Central Government: Conduct an Audit of the Role of Volunteers in the Bureaucracy and Public Policy
b. Regional Government: Strengthen the merit system and transparency in job placements
c. Village Government: Revitalize Village Deliberations and Strengthen the Role of the BPD
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