History of the Birth of Ethical Politics of Political Reciprocity

Political reciprocity or ethical politics is basically a concept of thought for political actors to respect and give reciprocal appreciation for their political support. Political reciprocity was born from the Dutch colonial government which gave reciprocal rewards to the natives for the suffering from the forced cultivation policy (cultuurstelsel). The ethical political policies issued by Queen Wilhelmina took the form of irrigation, emigration and education to replace the suffering of the natives. We can see that ethical politics was born out of good intentions for policies that previously harmed one party. However, the concept of political reciprocity in Indonesia grows with different perspectives and explorations.

In a modern rule of law, political reciprocity is often related to political transactions after an election. Including in Indonesia, this often becomes a public spectacle to the point of having no dividing line. Political reciprocity can be carried out in real form such as the appointment of positions in the government cabinet line. And it can be in the form of administrative actions through government contracts (such as the granting of HGU, HBU, and other rights that often exploit natural resources).

Even today, strategic positions in BUMN/BUMD have become a den of political reciprocity in President Jokowi's cabinet. Unfortunately, during his lame duck period, President Jokowi actually showed attitudes that lead to political reciprocity activities. We go back to the past, where President Jokowi appointed his presidential election rival in the 2019 Election in the 2019-2024 Advanced Indonesia cabinet. After that, allegations of presidential reciprocity emerged in the 2024 election by supporting his former rival to run together with his eldest son.