It’s the time of the season
again, when religion and ethnicity are being bandied around to attack political
candidates.One such smear campaign was seen
on the cover of the lates edition of an Islamic tabloid, which had a photo of
Jakarta Governor Jokowi with the headline, “ Kristen dan Hoakiau Di Belakang
Jokowi “ ( The Christians and Chinese immigrants behind Jokowi ). But this
smear campaign are not new for Jokowi, who had a Chinese and Christian running
mate, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or “ Ahok “. Jokowi never questioned the matter of
religion and therefore he preffered among the Chinese and Christianity.
The tabloid is also written about
an opinion which coming from King of Dangdut, Rhoma Irama who said that Jakarta
should not be led by a non-Muslim. He has denied he ever made the statement and
touted himself as a potential running mate for Jokowi.The best way to respond to a
smear campaign is to not respond it. As Prabowo says #akurapopo. A
Javanese phrase meaning “ I’m just fine “ or “no comment” to respond all the
issue.
Before the era of social media, politicians could just say “no comment” and hope an issue would be laid to rest. But nowadays, with the prolific number of media outlets, it’s hard to hide from the public spotlight. When Megawati decided to endorse Jokowi, presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto was predictably angry and called Megawati a flip-flopper for violating what he said was a promise she had made to endorse him.But he should have just taken it easy and responded to Jokowi’s nomination by saying, “aku rapopo” (I’m just fine).
Before the era of social media, politicians could just say “no comment” and hope an issue would be laid to rest. But nowadays, with the prolific number of media outlets, it’s hard to hide from the public spotlight. When Megawati decided to endorse Jokowi, presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto was predictably angry and called Megawati a flip-flopper for violating what he said was a promise she had made to endorse him.But he should have just taken it easy and responded to Jokowi’s nomination by saying, “aku rapopo” (I’m just fine).
