Sejarah Komisi Pemilihan Umum (KPU) RI

Summary

This script highlights Indonesia's journey to becoming one of the world's largest democracies, with over 255 million citizens. It delves into the country's democratic evolution, tracing its roots from early post-independence struggles to modern elections. The video discusses key moments like the 1955 elections, the transition from Sukarno to Suharto, and the eventual reform era in 1998. Indonesia's democracy is praised for its peaceful electoral processes, but concerns over costly and transactional politics are raised. The narrative underscores the importance of returning to the core values of democracy to ensure its sustainability.

Takeaways

• 🇮🇩 Indonesia is one of the largest democracies in the world, with over 255 million people and a modern political system rooted in its local culture.
• 🗳️ Indonesia's democracy was not achieved overnight; it went through a long process of political upheavals, especially after the 1998 reforms.
• 📅 Indonesia has held multiple elections, starting from its first in 1955, followed by elections during the New Order regime (1971, 1977, 1982, etc.).
• ⚠️ After independence in 1945, early plans to hold elections were delayed due to instability, but the first election was eventually held in 1955.
• 👥 The 1955 elections were significant, as they elected members of both the DPR and the Constituent Assembly, which aimed to create a new constitution.
• 👑 Indonesia experienced a shift towards authoritarianism during the Guided Democracy era under President Sukarno, where elections were no longer held.
• 🔄 The New Order regime, led by President Suharto, saw the regularization of elections but also an increasing concentration of power and suppression of opposition.
• 🌍 Indonesia’s post-1998 era marked a transition to a more open democracy, culminating in the credible 1999 elections, with many political parties participating.
• 🏛️ The 2004 elections marked a significant shift as Indonesia adopted a bicameral parliamentary system, directly electing the president for the first time.
• 💵 Despite its progress, Indonesia's democracy has been criticized for becoming expensive and transactional, with concerns about candidates buying votes.

Q & A

What is the significance of Indonesia's democracy in the global context?

Indonesia is considered one of the largest democracies in the world, with over 255 million people. The country has successfully implemented a modern political system based on its indigenous culture, making it an important model for democratic governance globally.

How did Indonesia's journey to democracy evolve over time?

Indonesia's democracy was not an overnight process. It involved a long journey through various political upheavals, including internal conflicts and the fall of regimes like Soekarno's and Soeharto's. Key moments, such as the 1998 reforms and the first direct elections, were crucial in shaping its modern democratic framework.

What role did elections play in strengthening Indonesian democracy?

Elections in Indonesia, held in a direct, fair, and transparent manner, became a vital mechanism for peaceful leadership transitions. They played a key role in avoiding conflicts and promoting stability, with the first major election occurring in 1955 and continuing regularly post-reforms.

What was the impact of the 1955 elections on Indonesia’s political landscape?

The 1955 elections were significant as they were the first democratic elections in Indonesia, selecting members of both the DPR (parliament) and the Constitutional Assembly. Major political parties like PNI, Masyumi, NU, and PKI dominated the election results, shaping the political environment of the country.

Why did President Soekarno issue the 1959 decree, and what was its effect?

President Soekarno issued the 1959 decree to dissolve the Constitutional Assembly after it failed to agree on a new constitution. The decree marked a shift towards 'Guided Democracy,' giving Soekarno more power and suspending further elections until the regime changed in 1967.

What were the major changes introduced by the New Order regime under Soeharto?

Under Soeharto's New Order regime, Indonesia saw the implementation of more centralized control and authoritarian practices. The electoral system was simplified, reducing the number of political parties to three, and Golkar became the dominant party supported by bureaucracy and the military.

How did the fall of Soeharto in 1998 influence Indonesia's democracy?

Soeharto’s resignation in 1998 marked a significant turning point for Indonesia’s democracy. It led to the beginning of democratic reforms, including free elections, the decentralization of power, and a more open political landscape. The 1999 elections, in particular, were crucial in restoring public trust in the democratic process.

What were the key reforms implemented after the fall of the New Order regime?

Key reforms included the implementation of free elections, the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches, the decentralization of governance, and the introduction of direct presidential and regional elections. These reforms helped strengthen Indonesia’s democratic institutions.

What challenges did Indonesia face during its democratic transition?

Indonesia faced several challenges during its transition, including economic crises, political instability, and conflicts between political factions. There were also issues of corruption and the high costs of running elections, which contributed to the emergence of transactional politics.

How did Indonesia’s 2004 elections differ from previous ones?

The 2004 elections were unique as they were the first where both legislative members and the president were directly elected by the people. The election also introduced a bicameral parliament with the addition of the Regional Representative Council (DPD), further solidifying Indonesia’s democratic system.