Dynastic politics in Indonesia is increasingly becoming a chronic disease that is difficult to treat. Behind the face of dynastic politics, the role of women is often manipulated and reduced to mere family symbols.
Wives, children, or female relatives of politicians are often used as “shields” to maintain family power, not as independent and empowered political actors.
This practice not only devalues women’s participation in politics, but also shows another face of violence against women in politics.
Behind the nomination of women by political parties lies a larger interest: perpetuating family power. It is no secret that many women running for regional head or legislative elections are not chosen based on their competence or political track record, but because they are part of a political dynasty.
They are “tools” used to strengthen the grip of the ruling family. In other words, dynastic politics blatantly puts women under the control of the patriarchy that dominates the political world.
Ironically, the involvement of these women is used to cover up the increasingly entrenched oligarchic practices.
The concept of violence against women in politics (VAWP) includes various forms of violence faced by women in the political sphere, including symbolic, psychological and structural violence (Krook, 2020).
Dynastic politics, in this framework, can be categorized as a form of VAWP. Women in dynastic politics are often only placed as an extension of patriarchal interests without being given the space to develop a political agenda that truly responds to women’s needs.
They are directed to obey the family’s political line, rather than prioritizing their own voices and interests.
Furthermore, this is a form of structural violence that confines women within the boundaries of roles set by male relatives. They are placed in a comfortable position for the family, but are trapped in a political structure that utilizes their identity for the sake of power.
Women become “masks” of the political oligarchy, while the policies and agendas they deliver remain controlled by patriarchal actors.
Women’s voices in dynastic politics often sound “empty” because in essence, they are just echoes of the ambitions of the ruling family. If this is not another form of violence against women, then what is?
In the power trap
This phenomenon is clearly visible in various cases in Indonesia. At the regional level, the nomination of a regional head’s wife, children or relatives to continue the incumbent’s term is a common practice.
For example, the political dynasty in Banten, where Ratu Atut Chosiyah-part of a family dynasty-has served as governor. The nomination of her children and relatives in various strategic positions reinforces the fact that women are used as tools to perpetuate family power (Supriyadi, 2020).
At the legislative level, the same thing happens. Women from political families are often nominated as members of the DPR or DPRD not because of capability, but because of family affiliation. This is a blatant political exploitation that reduces women to “puppets” with political titles.
They seem to have “power” and “influence”. In fact, they only follow the direction and interests of the ruling family.
The presence of women in dynastic politics more often than not masks the true face of political exploitation and manipulation.
How do we break this cycle of violence? First, strict regulations must be implemented. Women’s participation in politics must be based on meritocracy, not just family affiliation.
Political parties must make women political actors who have a concrete vision and agenda. Without clear regulations, dynastic politics will continue to use women as a “friendly face” to maintain power.
Second, people’s critical awareness must be increased. People must understand that women’s involvement in politics must be authentic and independent, not just a tool to perpetuate family power.
Women in dynastic politics are often only placed as an extension of patriarchal interests without being given the space to develop a political agenda that truly responds to women’s needs.
Women who advance in politics must have a foundation of competence and a real agenda, not just because they are part of a dynasty.
Political dynasties that place women as tools of power not only show the depravity of our political system, but also emphasize that violence against women in politics is no longer a matter of physical, but a matter of structural oppression.
If this practice continues, the hope of achieving gender equality in politics will be even further from reality.
ANNISA ALFATH
Researcher at the Association for Elections and Democracy (Perludem)
This article was published on Kompas.id on October 07, 2024 with the title “Women as Tools of Power by Annisa Alfath”, https://www.kompas.id/baca/opini/2024/10/06/perempuan-sebagai-alat-kekuasaan