Masa Demokrasi Terpimpin | IPS | SayaBisa

Summary

This transcript outlines Indonesia's transition from parliamentary democracy to guided democracy under President Soekarno. It began with the 1959 Presidential Decree, reinstating the 1945 Constitution and granting the president significant power. The guided democracy system aimed to stabilize the country but led to authoritarianism. It also discusses Indonesia's foreign policy, such as confrontation with Malaysia, leaving the UN, and establishing the Non-Aligned Movement. Domestically, Soekarno implemented a controlled economy, but it failed to curb inflation. The era was marked by political tensions, including the influence of the Communist Party and cultural clashes.

Takeaways

• 📜 Indonesia experienced instability during its parliamentary democracy, leading to changes in the government system.
• 📅 The shift from parliamentary democracy to guided democracy began with President Soekarno's Decree of July 5, 1959.
• 🛑 Under guided democracy, the 1945 Constitution was reinstated, giving the president significant power, resulting in a more authoritarian government.
• 👨‍⚖️ Soekarno appointed members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPRS) directly and was declared president for life, which violated democratic principles.
• 🌍 In foreign policy, Indonesia aligned more with socialist countries, distancing itself from Western capitalist nations.
• 🇲🇾 There was a confrontation with Malaysia in 1963, triggered by the formation of the Malaysian Federation, which Soekarno opposed.
• 🇺🇳 Indonesia withdrew from the United Nations in 1965 after Malaysia was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
• ✊ Indonesia was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, reflecting its neutral stance between Western and Eastern blocs.
• 🛑 Tensions with the Netherlands over West Irian led to the severing of diplomatic ties and the eventual resolution through the New York Agreement in 1962.
• 💸 Economically, Soekarno implemented a guided economy, but inflation remained high, and efforts like the 'Deklarasi Ekonomi' failed to stabilize the economy.

Q & A

What led Indonesia to shift from a parliamentary democracy to a guided democracy?

The shift from parliamentary democracy to guided democracy in Indonesia began with the issuance of the Presidential Decree of July 5, 1959, by President Soekarno. This decree reinstated the 1945 Constitution and concentrated governmental decisions in the hands of the head of state, as a response to the instability experienced under the parliamentary system.

What were the key reasons behind the instability during Indonesia's parliamentary democracy period?

During Indonesia's parliamentary democracy period, there was political instability due to fragmented political parties and a lack of unified governance, making it difficult to achieve stable leadership and consistent policy-making.

How did the concentration of power in President Soekarno’s hands during guided democracy lead to authoritarianism?

Under guided democracy, President Soekarno had extensive power, including appointing members of the MPRS (People's Consultative Assembly) directly and declaring himself president for life, bypassing elections. This concentration of power led to an authoritarian style of governance.

What was the 'Oldevoo' and 'Neoevoo' concept in Indonesia's foreign policy?

'Oldevoo' referred to Western countries with established economies, typically capitalist, while 'Neoevoo' referred to newly independent countries that were often socialist. Indonesia, during Soekarno's rule, leaned toward cooperation with 'Neoevoo' countries.

Why did Indonesia have a confrontation with Malaysia in 1963?

The confrontation with Malaysia in 1963 was triggered by the proclamation of the Federation of Malaysia, which Soekarno opposed. He saw it as part of Britain’s plan to strengthen its influence in Southeast Asia, leading to a diplomatic fallout and severed relations.

What was the significance of Indonesia’s exit from the United Nations in 1965?

Indonesia left the United Nations in 1965 after Malaysia was nominated for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. This move reflected Indonesia's growing tension with Western powers and its desire to assert its independence in global affairs.

How did Indonesia’s guided democracy era influence its foreign policy, particularly in relation to the Non-Aligned Movement?

During guided democracy, Indonesia maintained a 'free and active' foreign policy, refusing to align with either the Western or Eastern blocs. Indonesia was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, which was formalized in 1961 after initial discussions during the 1955 Bandung Conference.

What was the Trikora and how did it influence Indonesia's relations with the Netherlands?

Trikora (Tri Komando Rakyat) was a directive issued by Soekarno aimed at reclaiming West Irian (Papua) from Dutch control. It escalated tensions with the Netherlands, but eventually led to negotiations that culminated in the New York Agreement in 1962, granting Indonesia control over the territory.

What economic challenges did Indonesia face during the guided democracy period?

Indonesia faced significant economic difficulties, including high inflation. Soekarno implemented a command economy, reducing the value of currency and freezing bank accounts with large amounts of money. However, these measures failed to improve the economy, and inflation persisted.

How did the cultural sector in Indonesia react to the dominance of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) during the guided democracy era?

The PKI exerted control over many aspects of society, including culture, through its Nasakom ideology. In response, artists and intellectuals issued the 'Cultural Manifesto' to oppose PKI's dominance in arts and culture. However, the manifesto faced strong opposition and was eventually banned by the government.