Kekuatan Pengimbang [A Counterbalancing Force]

Abstract

An opinion article by the physicist L. Wilardjo in the daily Kompas that uses a physics analogy of equilibrium to read Indonesian politics after the 2014 presidential election. The author distinguishes stable equilibrium, like a pendulum that always returns to its position, unstable equilibrium, like an egg on the tip of a horn, and neutral equilibrium, and then, with reference to the Dutch philosopher Herman Dooyeweerd, draws an analogy from the physical modal aspect to the socio-political modal aspect. A socio-political system will be in stable equilibrium if the centre of gravity of the government's attention lies in the lower strata, which form the majority of the people; conversely, a government that pampers the elite with tax holidays and incentives is prone to being toppled through bloody revolution, as in Cuba, the Philippines, Egypt, and Syria. He hopes that the Koalisi Merah Putih (Red and White Coalition) will act as a counterbalancing force and a loyal opposition with a nationalist-patriotic spirit, as Nurcholish Madjid had envisioned, while the Jokowi-JK government places its centre of gravity on smallholder farmers, poor fishers, and irrigation infrastructure.