Understanding Indonesia's Political System | Noteworthy Ep.1

Summary

Indonesia's upcoming elections will be a historic event, as both presidential and legislative elections will take place simultaneously for the first time. The country's political system, which evolved from an authoritarian regime in 1998, now operates with a separation of powers across three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch is led by the president, who oversees national governance and the military, while the legislative branch is responsible for making laws and approving budgets. The judicial branch ensures the constitutionality of laws. With 73 political parties and nearly 8,000 candidates, the upcoming election marks a critical moment for Indonesia's democracy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia will hold its first-ever simultaneous presidential, national, and local legislative elections on April 17th.
• 😀 The 2019 elections are a historical milestone for the country as they are being conducted for the first time on the same day.
• 😀 Indonesia has gone through several political systems since gaining independence in 1945, with the current 'Reform Era' starting after President Suharto's resignation in 1998.
• 😀 The Reform Era brought major constitutional changes, including limiting presidents to two terms, direct presidential elections, and decentralizing power to local governments.
• 😀 Indonesia's political system is based on the separation of powers among three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
• 😀 The executive branch is led by the president and vice president, who are elected for two five-year terms. The president serves as head of government, head of state, and commander-in-chief.
• 😀 The president has significant powers, including appointing ministers, proposing bills, controlling the military and law enforcement, and affecting various aspects of daily life.
• 😀 The legislative branch, or People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), consists of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD). The DPR has the power to pass laws and approve the state budget.
• 😀 The DPD provides advice on regional issues but does not have the power to pass laws. Members of the DPR must be affiliated with political parties, while DPD candidates run nonpartisan.
• 😀 The judicial branch, which includes the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court, ensures laws are in line with the Constitution and resolves disputes related to elections and political parties.
• 😀 The upcoming 2019 elections are a critical moment for Indonesia’s democracy, and citizens must be informed and active in upholding their social responsibility to vote.

Q & A

What is significant about the 2019 elections in Indonesia?

The 2019 elections are significant because it is the first time in Indonesia's history that the presidential and legislative elections will be held on the same day, April 17th.

What political system does Indonesia operate under?

Indonesia operates under a democratic system with a separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

What major political changes took place after President Suharto's resignation in 1998?

After President Suharto's resignation in 1998, Indonesia underwent significant reforms, including constitutional amendments, the introduction of a two-term limit for presidents, and a shift from parliamentary elections to direct popular elections.

How does Indonesia's government structure ensure a system of checks and balances?

Indonesia's government structure ensures checks and balances by dividing power between the three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. Each branch can limit the power of the others, preventing any single branch from overpowering the others.

What are the key responsibilities of the executive branch in Indonesia?

The executive branch, headed by the president and vice president, is responsible for enforcing laws, managing national defense, and overseeing regional governance. The president also appoints ministers and controls law enforcement and military powers.

How does the legislative branch in Indonesia work?

The legislative branch, known as the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD). The DPR has the power to pass laws and approve the state budget, while the DPD provides legislative advice.

What is the difference between the DPR and DPD in Indonesia's legislative system?

The DPR (House of Representatives) formulates and passes laws, while the DPD (Regional Representatives Council) provides legislative advice on issues affecting their respective regions. DPR candidates are political party members, whereas DPD candidates run on a nonpartisan basis.

What role does the judiciary play in Indonesia's political system?

The judiciary in Indonesia, consisting of the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court, is responsible for interpreting the law. The Supreme Court handles appeals and judicial reviews, while the Constitutional Court ensures laws comply with the Constitution and resolves disputes over political parties and elections.

How does the Constitutional Court contribute to maintaining Indonesia's constitutional order?

The Constitutional Court ensures that laws are in line with the 1945 Constitution and has the power to strike down laws that are unconstitutional. It also oversees the impeachment process of the president and resolves disputes regarding elections.

Why is it important for Indonesians to pay attention to political party affiliations during elections?

It is important because presidential candidates often appoint ministers based on political alliances rather than impartial professionals. This can affect government policies and decisions, making it crucial for voters to understand the political supporters behind candidates.