This Twisted Game Needs To Be Reset
Indonesia's democracy is at a crossroads. Corruption, political polarization, and declining voter turnout have undermined the public's faith in democratic institutions. The country's system of governance needs an urgent reset if it is to restore trust and strengthen democracy for all Indonesians.
The Problem with Indonesia's Democracy
Indonesia has made significant strides in democratization since the fall of the authoritarian regime in 1998. However, the country's democracy is facing several challenges that threaten its stability and legitimacy. One of the most pressing issues is political polarization, which has deepened in recent years, especially in the run-up to the 2019 presidential election. The election was marked by bitter disputes and allegations of vote-rigging, leaving many Indonesians disillusioned with the democratic process.
Another major challenge is corruption, which continues to plague Indonesia's political system. Corruption is responsible for siphoning off public funds, obstructing development, and eroding public trust in government institutions. It also dissuades honest and capable individuals from entering politics or pursuing public service careers, creating a vicious cycle of graft and incompetence.
Finally, Indonesia's democracy suffers from declining voter turnout, which reflects a growing sense of apathy or disillusionment among the public. In the 2019 election, around 28% of eligible voters did not turn out to vote, sending a worrying signal about the state of Indonesian democracy. Low turnout can lead to skewed results or undermine the legitimacy of elected officials, creating a crisis of representation.
The Need for a Reset
Indonesia's democracy needs a reset in three key areas: political polarization, corruption, and voter turnout. Each of these areas requires a different set of solutions, but they are all interconnected and require a concerted effort to address.
First, political leaders and civil society groups must work together to reduce the polarization that has become endemic in Indonesian politics. This means shifting the focus away from narrow interests and personal rivalries, and towards policies and programs that benefit all Indonesians. It also requires a more open and inclusive political culture, where opposing views are respected, and dialogue and compromise are valued over winner-takes-all politics.
Second, corruption must be tackled head-on, with stronger laws and institutions to combat graft and wrongdoing. This includes reforming the civil service and judiciary, creating independent agencies to investigate and prosecute corruption cases, and empowering media and civil society to hold officials accountable. It also requires a shift in public attitudes towards corruption, where it is seen as a serious crime that undermines the public interest, rather than a minor transgression that is condoned or ignored.
Finally, voter turnout must be increased through a combination of education and outreach. This means improving civic education in schools, increasing access to information about candidates and parties, and promoting voter registration and participation. It also requires a more responsive and accountable political system, where elected officials deliver on their promises and engage with their constituents, rather than retreating into their own echo chambers.
The Role of Civil Society
Civil society has a crucial role to play in resetting Indonesia's democracy. NGOs, advocacy groups, and grassroots organizations can mobilize citizens, promote transparency, and monitor government performance. They can also push for reforms and hold politicians accountable, acting as a check against abuses of power and corruption.
However, civil society in Indonesia faces its own challenges, including repression and harassment by authorities. The government has passed laws that restrict freedom of expression and association, and there have been cases of activists being targeted, intimidated, or jailed for their work. This creates a chilling effect on civil society and undermines its ability to function as a watchdog and advocate for democratic values.
Therefore, it is essential that civil society is protected and empowered to play its role in resetting Indonesia's democracy. This means repealing repressive laws, protecting the rights of activists and journalists, and creating an environment where civil society can thrive and contribute to a healthy and vibrant democracy.
Conclusion
The challenges facing Indonesia's democracy are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. A reset is needed to restore trust and strengthen democratic institutions, and this requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders. Political leaders, civil society, and citizens must work together to reduce polarization, tackle corruption, and increase voter turnout. Civil society also must be empowered and protected to play its critical role in holding officials accountable and promoting democratic values. Only through these collective efforts can Indonesia's democracy be reset, and a brighter future secured for all Indonesians.
