Challenges Faced By Indonesia’s Young Democracy

Jonathan Head, South East Asia correspondent for BBC News, reported that Indonesia’s democracy, hard-won after the fall of the Suharto regime, is facing new challenges. Budiman Sujatmiko, once a bold student activist against Suharto, is now a spokesman for Prabowo Subianto, Suharto’s son-in-law and a figure associated with the authoritarian era. This unlikely alliance sheds light on the complexities of Indonesia’s young democracy.

Indonesia, often termed an “impossible country,” is home to a diverse population spread across thousands of islands, with numerous languages and a mix of powerful, wealthy figures dominating its political landscape. Despite this complexity, Indonesia has managed to maintain stability, with two directly elected moderate presidents overseeing steady economic growth over the past two decades.

However, concerns arise about the future of Indonesia’s democracy if Prabowo wins the presidential race. His dark past, including accusations of human rights violations and involvement in serious abuses during Indonesia’s occupation of Timor Leste, causes unease among many Indonesians. Families of activists who disappeared during Suharto’s regime continue to seek answers and hold Prabowo accountable.

Despite Prabowo’s checkered past, he has teamed up with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, aiming to continue Jokowi’s development-focused policies and ensure more of the same in the future. This unlikely partnership, similar to the one between Prabowo and Budiman, highlights the evolution of Indonesian politics and the shifting allegiances within the country.

While these political compromises have provided stability, concerns about the implications for Indonesia’s democracy linger. The consolidation of power, the co-opting of rivals, and the lack of credible opposition raise questions about the strength of Indonesia’s democracy.

As Indonesia prepares for its upcoming presidential election, the challenge remains in upholding its hard-won democracy amidst shifting political alliances and the looming possibility of a Prabowo presidency. Despite the country’s resilience in the face of past upheavals, the future of Indonesian democracy remains uncertain.

Author: OpenAI