Labor Party must have uniqueness to compete with major parties

Selasa, 5 Oktober 2021 13:35 WIB

Political observer from Pelita Harapan University Emrus Sihombing. ANTARA/HO-personal doc/FR

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Labor Party currently led by chairman of the Confederation of the Indonesian Workers Union (KSPI) Said Iqbal should have a unique appeal to enable it to compete with major parties on Indonesia's political stage, according to political analyst from Pelita Harapan University Emrus Sihombing.

Sihombing informed ANTARA here on Tuesday that the uniqueness the Labor Party should have is important to enable it to attract the public's attention and trust so that it can win a seat within the legislative and executive branch of the government.

"For instance, they can say that they side with the people and will use every power the party has to solve issues, such as COVID-19 or natural disasters," he remarked.

Sihombing opined that when the Labor Party makes pledges and is capable of realizing them, then it will demonstrate that the party truly sides with the people and is not elitist and not merely making unrealized pledges.

The Labor Party can also state how its cadres will be transparent regarding their wealth. "They do not have to become members of parliament or state officials to report (their wealth) to the KPK (Corruption Eradication Commission)," he stated.

If a cadre's wealth does not match the report, the Labor Party must be willing to announce that its cadre has done a wrongdoing, and, therefore, will take responsibility for it.

"This is all done, so that the party will have a unique appeal. Without any uniqueness, then I think it will not be all that different from other new parties. You cannot even fight middling parties, let alone the major ones," Sihombing asserted.

Confederation of the Indonesian Workers Unions (KSPI) President Said Iqbal had earlier stated that the Labor Party would rise again and would hold a congress in Jakarta on October 4-5,2021 to find a new leader.