Such a view must be corrected because such an understanding is wrong. Cynical view against the opposition and efforts to emasculate opposition, seen as disturbing the state's stability, will lead the country toward majority tyranny and authoritarianJakarta (ANTARA) - Pangi Syarwi Chaniago, a political analyst of the Voxpo Center for Research and Consulting, opined that the opposition group plays a paramount role in conducting checks and balances deemed crucial for democracy to thrive.
"The system of checks and balances is deemed necessary to materialize a controlled governance, so that the government in power does not go off track and act arbitrarily," he told Antara here on Tuesday.
Chaniago emphasized the need to view the checks and balances mechanism as an integral and inseparable unit of the democratic system.
He called for the need for opposition parties to strengthen themselves to intensify their role in conducting the critical system of checks and balances.
"Being in power and outside the government are one package, with the same objectives of ensuring that the state runs in line with the Constitution and minimizing deviation and abuse of power," he pointed out.
The executive director of the Voxpol Center for Research and Consulting stated that the opposition must not be viewed as a party that only disturbs and affects national stability.
"There is a need to rectify such a view since such an understanding is incorrect. A cynical view against the opposition and efforts to emasculate opposition, viewed as one disturbing the state's stability, will lead the country toward majority tyranny and authoritarianism," Chaniago cautioned.
Currently, the coalition of political parties supporting the government in the Parliament is quite dominant, reaching notably 60 percent.
Any endeavor to recompose the coalition after the election will indicate the coalition's flagging confidence in their own political power, he remarked.
Moreover, a "recomposition" will hint at an effort to silence the opposition, so that they would no longer be critical against the government, he stated.
"Such political intrigue can be averted by forming a permanent and unshakable coalition despite temptation of power sharing," he noted.
Speaking in connection with an offer made to the Gerindra Party to join the coalition of political parties supporting the Jokowi administration, Chaniago advised the party, founded by Prabowo Subianto, to refuse it, as it would not be conducive for democracy. Moreover, it will degrade the quality of democracy in Indonesia, he added.
Translator: Riza Harahap: Fardah
Editor: Bambang Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
