Breaking the Chains of Transactionalism: A Village Election without Money Politics in Panggungharjo

Abstract

The logic of corruption has seemingly been accepted as a normal part of democratic practices. This article challenges this logic, referring to the successful example of Panggungharjo, a village on the outskirts of Yogyakarta.[1]Without romanticising this village and its experiences, this article seeks to show the decisions and steps necessary for realising change and breaking the chains of transactionalism. Change is only possible if both the supply of and demand for money politics are cut off. Transformation is only possible when changes occur in supply and demand. In other words, transactionalism can only be avoided in electoral politics when a shift in demand coincides with the stigmatisation of transactional practices.[1] Administratively, Panggungharjo is part of Bantul Regency. However, it is sociologically a sub-urban part of Yogyakarta City.

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“…It is also noted that a "majority of Panggungharjo's residents are senior high school graduates; many have also had some tertiary education. The village is the site of several Islamic boarding schools, as well as some university campuses" (Bayo & Santoso, 2019).…”

“…It is also documented that "many of its residents have abandoned agriculture and sought employment in other sectors. The majority of residents are private-sector employees (39%) and labourers (38%); only 4% of village residents (750 people) work in agriculture" (Bayo & Santoso , 2019).There is a rise of the non-agrarian sectors including service, trade and industry including batik, statue, and furniture.…”

“…Ultimately, Wahyudi's programmatic policies were seen as fulfilling the community's needs. He created programmatic exchanges that transformed problems into solutions" (Bayo & Santoso , 2019).…”

“…This was done by breaking the cycle of supply and demand. It is noted that with the political reforms and a shift towards democratic governance in Indonesia there "exists a new political phenomenon, an anti-money politics movement that began at the grassroots, at the village level, the lowest level of government in Indonesia" (Bayo & Santoso , 2019). In this context it is said the "practice of money politics cannot occur without the intersection of supply (from candidates) and demand (voters/constituents).…”

“…In this context it is said the "practice of money politics cannot occur without the intersection of supply (from candidates) and demand (voters/constituents). To avoid the practice of money politics, it is thus necessary to disrupt these intersections" (Bayo & Santoso , 2019). Researchers can verify that this "Indonesian village broke the chains of pragmatism and money politics by avoiding the practice of vote buying, rather than transforming itself to avoid corrupt practices" (Bayo & Santoso , 2019).…”