The Role of Political Dynasties in Indonesian Elections
Devon Todd Elliott
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Since gaining independence 79 years ago, political dynasties have long been a
significant part of politics in Indonesia. It is defined as families that dominate political
power over multiple generations. These dynasties have become very rooted in Indonesian
politics, hence raising questions from citizens of their impact on democracy and the
nation’s political system as a whole. While political dynasties are not unique to Indonesia
and occur in other countries as well, such as the United States and the Philippines, their
influence however have led to debates and arguments on whether these families undermine
democratic development or simply show preference and trust among citizens so that power
can continue. A survey conducted by Indikator in 2023 indicates that 42.9% of Indonesian
voters are tolerant towards dynastic politics. However, a survey conducted by Yoes C
Kenawas, with the help of the Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI), found that 38.8% of
respondents have mixed feelings towards political dynasties. This shows that respondents
would not necessarily vote for figures with dynastic backgrounds, but also would not reject
them.
Political Continuity in Indonesia
Long standing families such as the Soekarno's and Suharto's still dominate to this
day, and political allies and families connected to these families have also gained influence
in today’s Indonesian politics, giving way to new political dynasties. Political figures such
as Indonesia’s fifth and first female president, Megawati Sukarnoputri, is also the daughter
of Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno. She exemplifies the role of political dynasties in
Indonesia and is the matriarch of a three-generation old dynasty which controls Indonesia’s
largest political party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), (Purdey,
2023). This continues the relevance of her family, while also resonating with voters
following the popularity of her father as the founding father of Indonesia during the Dutch
and Japanese colonization era. Similarly, the Yudhoyono family, led by former Indonesian
president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, has also developed its own political legacy, with
his son Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono now filling the shoes of his father, serving as the leader
of the Democratic Party. He is also currently the Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial
Planning. Lastly, Indonesia’s recently elected president, Prabowo Subianto, is also deeply
tied to the Suharto family, having married one of Suharto’s daughters in the 80s, Siti
Hediati Hariyadi or more famously known as Titiek Suharto.
The Changes in Modern Indonesia
Following the fall of Suharto’s New Order regime in 1998, Indonesia has developed
better political practices, ones that are fairer. For example, in August 2024, police clashed
with thousands of protesters in Jakarta following an attempt by the government to reverse
a constitutional court ruling. This ruling ruled that political parties in Indonesia would not
need a 20% minimum representation in order to put forward a candidate.
Even though it is stated in Indonesian law that requirements for candidates at the
regional level must not “not have a conflict of interest with the incumbent”, political
dynasties are still prevalent in both local and national elections in Indonesia.
This influence is not just symbolic, but also practical. These families often have
access to substantial financial resources, campaign infrastructure, and political connections,
giving them an advantage over competitors with non-dynastic backgrounds. Based on
Kenawas’ findings (2015), political dynasties rely on other family members whose status
as an incumbent help accumulate resources and survival at the regional level.
References
Purdey, J. (2023, December 7). The Widodo family: Indonesia’s newest political dynasty? East
Asia Forum. https://eastasiaforum.org/2023/03/27/the-widodo-family-indonesias-newestpolitical-dynasty/
Kenawas, Y. C. (2024, October 21). It takes two to tango: Why dynastic politics is on the rise in
Indonesia. Indonesia at Melbourne. https://indonesiaatmelbourne.unimelb.edu.au/ittakes-two-to-tango-why-dynastic-politics-is-on-the-rise-in-indonesia/
Singgih, N. M. &. V. (2024, August 22). Indonesia: Election law changes spark mass protests.
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