Polsci Talks UI - Penyempitan Ruang Gerak Masyarakat Sipil di Indonesia

Summary

The conversation explores the challenges faced by civil society in Indonesia, particularly in the context of growing authoritarianism. It highlights how civil society organizations (CSOs) have shifted from being driven by strong ideological commitment to being more employee-based and pragmatic. The speakers emphasize the need for civil society to build internal resilience and reinforce ideological commitment to protect democratic spaces. They suggest that NGOs should recruit individuals who align with their mission, ensuring long-term purpose-driven activism. The discussion concludes with a call to strengthen civil society through such internal reforms.

Takeaways

• 😀 Civil society organizations (CSOs) are facing challenges in maintaining their role as defenders of democratic spaces in Indonesia due to increasing authoritarian practices by the government.
• 😀 There is a need for civil society to innovate and adapt to the evolving political environment while continuing to push back against authoritarianism.
• 😀 Building resilience from within CSOs is crucial. Relying solely on external support can make organizations vulnerable to shifting political dynamics.
• 😀 Internal resilience is developed by ensuring CSOs are ideologically strong, rather than just being made up of employees performing technical tasks.
• 😀 A major issue in today's CSOs is the decline of passionate, ideologically committed activists, replaced by individuals focused more on employment than on activism.
• 😀 The ideological foundation of CSOs has weakened compared to the past, especially during the transition from authoritarian regimes like the New Order period in Indonesia.
• 😀 The lack of strong ideological commitment in CSOs is similar to the increasing pragmatism and ideological decline seen in political parties.
• 😀 To address these issues, CSOs must recruit individuals whose values align with the organization's mission, not just those with technical skills.
• 😀 Strengthening the ideological grip of CSOs is key to maintaining their relevance and effectiveness in promoting democracy and human rights.
• 😀 The research conducted by the team aims to provide insights and recommendations to improve the resilience of CSOs in Indonesia and ensure their continued role in democratic processes.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the research discussed in the transcript?

The main focus of the research is on understanding the dynamics of civil society in Indonesia and its role in defending democratic spaces amidst increasing authoritarian trends, especially in the context of 'innovative authoritarianism.'

What does the term 'innovative authoritarianism' refer to in the context of the discussion?

Innovative authoritarianism refers to the increasingly sophisticated and innovative ways in which the state enforces authoritarian practices, making it more challenging for civil society to operate freely.

Why is internal resilience within civil society organizations (CSOs) emphasized in the research?

Internal resilience is emphasized because relying on external support can be fragile. It’s important for CSOs to build strength from within, ensuring they have a strong ideological foundation and capacity to maintain their role as democratic actors.

What challenge do CSOs face in terms of internal dynamics?

CSOs are facing a lack of ideological commitment internally, as many are now staffed by professionals who are more focused on technical tasks than on the strong ideological foundations that characterized earlier activism.

How does the changing nature of NGOs affect their effectiveness in defending civil space?

The changing nature of NGOs, from activist-driven organizations to more professionally run institutions, weakens their ideological commitment and thus reduces their effectiveness in defending civil space, which is crucial in countering authoritarianism.

What is suggested as a solution to address the issue of ideological weakness in CSOs?

The solution suggested is for CSOs to recruit individuals who share the organization's ideological vision and values, ensuring that the workforce is not just technically skilled but also ideologically committed to the cause.

What parallel is drawn between political parties and civil society organizations?

A parallel is drawn between political parties and civil society organizations in that both have become increasingly pragmatic and less ideologically driven, which undermines their ability to effectively represent and advocate for democratic values.

How does the research suggest CSOs can remain effective in protecting democracy?

The research suggests that CSOs must address their internal weaknesses, particularly by strengthening their ideological commitment. This will ensure they can continue to play a vital role in protecting democratic spaces and resisting authoritarian pressures.

What recommendation is made to enhance the strength of civil society in Indonesia?

A key recommendation is for CSOs to focus on strengthening their internal ideological foundation by recruiting and retaining individuals with a shared commitment to the organization’s mission, rather than just filling positions with technical experts.

How can the public engage with the findings of the research discussed?

The public can engage with the findings by reading the full research report, which is available for download on the Puskapol UI website, and sharing it to spread awareness and foster discussions about strengthening civil society in Indonesia.