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Do we need musicians in the House of Representatives?
Reflecting on the past, unfortunately, rather than contributing to the world of Indonesian music, the musicians-cum-politicians have caused problems.
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Singer and lawmaker Kris Dayanti arrives for the commemoration of the 47th anniversary of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) at the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Feb. 10, 2020. (Antara/Muhammad Adimaja)
The practice of political parties nominating celebrities for elections thanks to their popularity and perhaps money has become prevalent in Indonesian politics. The celebrities come from various fields ranging from movie and soap opera performers to musicians.
The reason behind their candidacy is simple. These celebrities are famous and the political parties can expect to reap as many votes as possible.
This phenomenon is not a joke. The Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI) even includes "political celebrity" in its vocabulary, which means "celebrity who plunges into the political scene".
There are some musicians and singers who serve as House of Representatives members and many more will follow suit if elected in the Feb. 14, 2024 polls. The question is what is the impact of having them in the House?
This question is crucial because they are the representatives of the people, and they must draft laws to regulate a just social life and protect people's rights. To be specific, they are supposed to help develop music in the country and fulfill musicians’ rights.
One of the most prominent musicians who turned to politics is Anang Hermansyah who served in 2014-2019 under the banner of the National Mandate Party (PAN). Other musicians are Tere (Democratic Party, 2009-2014 period), Harvey Malaiholo (Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle [PDI-P], 2019-2014), Mulan Jameela (Gerindra Party, 2019-2024) and Kris Dayanti (PDI-P, 2019-2024).
More musicians are contesting the 2024 legislative elections. Former drummer of legendary underground band and singer Marcell Siahaan (PDI-P), Element boy band drummer Didi Riyadi (NasDem Party), boy band Ungu vocalist Sigit Purnomo Syamsuddin Said alias Pasha Ungu (PAN), songwriter Melly Goeslow (Gerindra), boy band Dewa 19 leader Ahmad Dhani (Gerindra), singer Once Mekel (PDI-P), singer Nafa Urbach (NasDem) and singer Delpi Suhariyanto (Nusantara Awakening Party [PKP])
