The country underwent a significant period of democratic regression after the 2004 military coup, and since then has seen the decline of many rights and freedoms. Presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko “Jokowi” Widodo have both vowed to bring democracy back. But will the country’s progress in democratization continue? The next burning question will be whether the new government can sustain the gains made during the past two decades.
The first democratic transition began in 1945, and has been strengthened by a series of free and fair elections. Since then, Indonesia has experienced rising regional power centres and the first peaceful power transition in its history. The future of democratic governance in Indonesia is largely up to the political process, but there are many challenges ahead. Here is a look at the current state of affairs. The country faces a number of challenges in the process, but it can still achieve its goals.
Democracies should be able to make good decisions. Those who are elected to public offices should be able to influence policy and make it work for them. In the meantime, the country’s leaders must ensure that the government has the right to implement reforms to improve their governance. Its democratic system is fragile and the people must have confidence in the government’s ability to deliver. Moreover, there must be a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.
While it is clear that direct elections are more democratic, the approach taken by the Indonesian government is too narrow. A good constitution is an effective foundation for a new democracy, but one that cannot stand alone is not a sustainable one. In order to consolidate a democracy, a country needs more than just elections. It needs a strong political system and an electoral process that can defend itself. Additionally, it should involve the domestic population in the process.
While Indonesia has an active and diverse media scene, it has suffered from legal restrictions on press freedom. The 2008 Law on Electronic Information and Transactions (LEIT) criminalized the distribution and publication of information that violates the country’s moral norms. The law also restricts access to online media and online gambling. It is unclear what will happen in the near future. The Economist’s Democracy Index does not reflect the reality in the country.
After the 1998 transition, the National Human Rights Commission has been a critical factor in democratizing Indonesia. However, despite the recent shift to democracy, the government’s leadership has been ineffective in implementing it. This has been a long-term challenge for the country’s stability and the country’s democracy. The Constitution must not allow the presidency to be the sole authority in a society. The country’s political system is based on law and the constitution, which is ineffective and undemocratic.