Introduction
The rapid advancement of technology, especially in the Society 5.0 era, allows people to control many aspects of life digitally. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become crucial, contributing significantly to solving modern problems. This reliance on technology began in Society 4.0 and continues to increase, with digital tools now essential for daily activities. In the political arena, the concept of a threshold (PT) is a mechanism that political parties must meet to compete for seats in Indonesia’s House of Representatives.
This threshold system has been in place since the 2009 elections, following Law No. 10 of 2008, but its roots go back to the 2004 presidential elections when direct voting by the people was first implemented. Historically, elections have used two legal instruments: one for the election of DPR, DPD, and DPRD members, and another for the presidential elections. This dual system persisted until 2014. The introduction of the threshold system in elections can be better understood and promoted through the influence of social media and influencers, who play a key role in educating the public about the mechanism of the system and its importance in Indonesia’s democratic process.
Analysis
Legal Policy and the Role of the Parliamentary Threshold in Strengthening the Presidential System
The purpose of the Parliamentary Threshold in Indonesia is to enhance the presidential system by simplifying the party system. This policy, implemented in 2009 with a 2.5% threshold, was increased to 4% by 2019 to urge political parties to gain more support, enhancing their accountability and performance. By restricting the quantity of political parties in parliament, fragmentation is minimized, leading to increased political stability and efficient governance. This is in line with worldwide issues, as countries such as Israel and Italy experience unstable coalitions and frequent elections because of their fragmented party systems. As worries about populism and democratic decline increase, Indonesia’s strategy mirrors a larger movement towards emphasizing stability in democratic governments. The Constitutional Court affirmed the constitutionality of the policy, acknowledging its importance in promoting a system of checks and balances and protecting the integrity of the presidential system. In the end, this limit acts as a preventative step to improve governance effectiveness while also preserving political unity.
The Crucial Role of Influencers in Introducing the Threshold System as a Form of Citizen Engagement in Elections
Influencers play a vital role in engaging citizens and promoting the Parliamentary Threshold system in elections via social media. Their presence helps in spreading information easily, making them important allies for the government in promoting public awareness of political policies. Influencers, with their large followings, can effectively promote ideas and enhance public understanding of the threshold system. Influencers can assist government initiatives while also advocating for community interests by raising concerns when policies clash with societal values. Through the use of petitions and social media, they can engage public opinion and promote civic involvement to ensure that citizens’ voices are considered in the policy-making process.
Conclusions
The Parliamentary Threshold aims to streamline Indonesia’s party system and strengthen the presidential system by limiting the number of political parties entering representative institutions. This helps create an effective governance structure and prevents the reemergence of political parties. Threshold is essential for establishing a strong presidential system and ensuring effective representative functions. In the digital era, social media influencers play a significant role, shaping communication, marketing, and public discourse. While digital technology has many positive impacts, it also brings challenges. Humans, as social creatures, adapt to these developments, engaging with social media in various ways.
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Penulis
Jennifer Meilinda Jamilui
Universitas Airlangga
