Dirty Vote, Film Unravels Indonesia's Political Rot in Jokowi's Regime

12 Feb 2024, 15:01 WIB

poster film Dirty Vote (Dok. Istimewa)

Jakarta, IDN Times – The campaign period of Indonesia’s 2024 Election came to an end on Saturday, 10th of February 2024. The day after, a documentary film entitled Dirty Vote was released online, taking the internet by storm on what was supposed to be the first day of the election’s “calm period”.

Directed by Dandhy Dwi Laksono, the founder of Watchdoc production house, this documentary is delivered by three experts on Indonesia's constitutional law; Zainal Arifin Mochtar, Bivitiri Susanti, and Feri Amsari. They explained how various instrumental powers in Indonesia have been used to benefit the ongoing electoral race which contributed to the erosion of the country’s democracy.

“First, about how democracy cannot be defined solely by conducting an election, but also how the process of that election unfolds. Second, about the misuse of power due to nepotism that is deemed unlawful in a democratic rule of law,” explained Susanti, quoted from a press release on Sunday (11/2/2024), sharing her thoughts about two main points on Dirty Vote.

1. The film is a crucial watch approaching election day

Sutradara Dandhy Dwi Laksono bersama tiga ahli tata negara (dok. Istimewa)

According to Dandhy, this film will be an important watch, especially during the election’s period of calm. With only three crucial days remaining until voting day, he hopes that it will educate the public as well as kickstart discussions amongst society.

“There are times where we are supporters of these candidates. But today, I want to invite everyone to watch this film as citizens,” said Dandhy.

This is his third work related to an election. His previous works named Yang Ketujuh (2014), which discussed on the 2014 Election between incumbent President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and his "frenemy", the current presidential candidate, Prabowo Subianto.

The other one is Jakarta Unfair (2017), a film released approaching Jakarta’s Regional Election in 2017.

2. Dirty Vote unravels Indonesia's political rot

Behind the scenes film dokumenter "Dirty Vote" (dok. Istimewa)

According to Amsari, the essence of an election is love towards the country. Hence, allowing these fraudulent behaviors to continue is the same as destroying the nation.

“The regime that we unravel in this film forgets that power has its limits. There is never eternal power. The best kind of power, although short-lived, is that it works for the people. And the worst misuse of power is to use it solely for themselves, their family, and to extend their reign,” he explains.

Furthermore, Susanti reminds the public that attitude is important in this historical time. She questions whether it is right that this reckless practice remains ignored, to the point that power-oriented democracy will then become the new normal.

“Or, we can choose to speak out and take action so that the republic we love will continue to live and grow. Your vote is what decides,” she exclaims.

3. The documentary was made in about two weeks

Suasana perfilman dokumenter "Dirty Vote" (dok. Istimewa)

Joni Aswira, General Chair of The Society of Indonesian Environmental Journalists (SIEJ) as well as the producer of the film, explained that Dirty Vote only need a short time to produced with the production costs were raised through crowdfunding and both individual and institutional donations.

“Other than that, “Dirty Vote” was also made in a very short time, about two weeks, starting from its research process, production, editing, up to its release,” added Joni.

Joni stated this documentary also frames the results of the election fraud research that has been carried out by a civil society coalition. The film can now be watched in full through the link below.