Capability vs Popularity: A Case Study of Placing Celebrities as Commission Members in The DPR RI

Authors

  • Sandrina Reswara Political Science Study Program Faculty of Social and Political Sciences University of Brawijaya, Indonesia
  • Mutia Maharani Putri Political Science Study Program Faculty of Social and Political Sciences University of Brawijaya, Indonesia
  • Muhammad Nabil Azka Political Science Study Program Faculty of Social and Political Sciences University of Brawijaya, Indonesia
  • Dhea Primsa Karina Tarigan Political Science Study Program Faculty of Social and Political Sciences University of Brawijaya, Indonesia
  • Ayu Thalia Political Science Study Program Faculty of Social and Political Sciences University of Brawijaya, Indonesia

Abstract

The phenomenon of celebrities becoming members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) reflects a political shift in which popularity serves as a key electoral asset. This study analyzes the disparity between capability and popularity in the appointment of celebrities to parliamentary commissions. Using Ahmad Dhani as a case study and drawing on best practices from the United States, the article examines the dilemma of descriptive vs. descriptive. substantive representation and highlights weak candidate recruitment by political parties. The findings reveal that celebrity popularity does not always correlate with legislative competence. Therefore, reforming political recruitment toward meritocracy and providing legislative and ethical training is crucial to improving the quality of representative democracy in Indonesia.

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Published

2025-07-02

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Articles