The Danger of Political Dynasty: Examining Bobby Nasution's Network in North Sumatra Corruption Case

Five years ago, we reported on the political dynasty of Indonesian President Joko Widodo. At that time, the children and son-in-law of Jokowi, Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Muhammad Bobby Alif Nasution a.k.a. Bobby Nasution, intended to take the Mayor seats in Solo and Medan. Jokowi's supporters vehemently defended this move, stating that there were no legal violations in the candidacy of Gibran and Bobby.

The political dynasty led by Jokowi and his family poses a significant threat to democracy. It does not promote fair competition. The candidacy of Gibran and Bobby evidently closed the opportunities for party cadres who had been working for decades. In Solo, the Deputy Mayor Achmad Purnomo had to 'give way' for the interests of Jokowi's family.

Our journalistic work has proven the dangers of this. State apparatus such as the police, military, and intelligence were mobilized to ensure the victory of Jokowi's relatives. They rallied support to help the 'crown princes' ascend to power in various regions. The maneuvers of these state institutions were often accompanied by threats. For example, village chiefs were threatened with imprisonment if they did not ensure the victory of the president's family.

Jokowi is not the only one building a political dynasty to maintain and expand power. Many political families compete in local elections or general elections without going through the usual struggles from the grassroots level. These dynasties have emerged in all political parties, regardless of their size. Our political system has indeed been tainted with the poison of kinship.

However, during Jokowi's presidency, political dynasties have become more prominent. He continues to damage democracy by positioning Gibran as a vice president. The argument of 'let the people decide' is empty because, as we have often written, Jokowi justifies any means, such as distributing social assistance, to ensure the victory of his relatives.

In a democratic state, political dynasties bring no benefits to the people. They only serve the selfish desires of politicians and disregard public interests. Furthermore, it can be guaranteed that leaders born from political dynasties will be closely associated with corruption.

Now, we witness all of this happening in North Sumatra. An associate of Governor Bobby Nasution, Topan Obaja Putra Ginting, was arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for accepting bribes related to infrastructure projects. Our investigation shows that Topan is part of the network created by Bobby. This network undermines the meritocracy system and once again, is tainted with corruption.

Read the full reports:

Bobby Nasution, Corruption, Political Dynasties

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