Political System and Governance of Indonesia

Summary

This video presents a detailed comparative analysis of Indonesia's political system and governance. The presentation is divided into four key sections: 1) an overview of Indonesia, 2) its political system and governance structure, 3) the country's transition to democracy from a military dictatorship, and 4) the political behavior of Indonesian citizens. The discussion covers Indonesia's geography, economy, governance, constitutional framework, democratization process, and the influences of culture, religion, and social media on political behavior. The video provides an insightful exploration of Indonesia’s dynamic political landscape.

Takeaways

• 📜 Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, with over 17,000 islands, and its population of over 270 million makes it the 4th most populous country in the world.
• 🏙️ Jakarta is the political and economic hub of Indonesia, a country with diverse geography including volcanoes, tropical forests, and rich marine biodiversity.
• 🕌 Islam is the dominant religion in Indonesia, with more than 80% of the population identifying as Muslim, influenced by a mix of Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic traditions.
• 🌧️ Indonesia experiences two main seasons, the rainy and dry seasons, which shape its climate and agriculture.
• 💼 Indonesia is a republic with a democratic system where the President serves as both head of state and government, elected directly by the people for up to two consecutive 5-year terms.
• 🗳️ The Indonesian parliament is bicameral, with the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), comprising the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD).
• 📈 Indonesia has transitioned from a military dictatorship to a democracy, with key political reforms taking place after the economic crisis of 1997–98.
• 💡 The country has undergone significant political reform, including decentralization of power, direct presidential elections, and promoting greater media freedom.
• 🔗 Political behavior in Indonesia is influenced by religion, particularly Islam, ethnic diversity, and local identities, which play a crucial role in elections.
• 📱 Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are becoming vital in shaping political opinions, especially among younger voters.

Q & A

What are the key geographical features of Indonesia mentioned in the script?

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, consisting of over 17,000 islands. Major islands include Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan (Borneo), Sulawesi, and Papua. It has diverse geographical features such as volcanoes, tropical rainforests, and rich marine biodiversity.

What type of political system does Indonesia have?

Indonesia is a republic with a unitary form of government. It operates under a democratic system, with the president serving as both the head of state and the head of government.

How is the Indonesian legislature structured?

Indonesia’s legislature is bicameral, consisting of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), which includes the House of Representatives (DPR) with 575 members and the Regional Representative Council (DPD) with 132 members. Both are elected every five years.

What powers does the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) hold in Indonesia?

The MPR has significant powers, including amending the constitution, appointing and removing the president and vice president, and holding general elections every five years.

How is the Indonesian president elected, and what is the term limit?

The Indonesian president is directly elected by the people and can serve a maximum of two consecutive five-year terms.

What role did the Asian financial crisis of 1997 play in Indonesia's transition to democracy?

The Asian financial crisis severely impacted Indonesia’s economy, leading to political instability. It contributed to the fall of the authoritarian Suharto regime and initiated the country's transition to democracy.

What factors contributed to the end of Suharto's 32-year rule in Indonesia?

Suharto’s long rule ended due to a combination of economic collapse during the 1997 financial crisis, public dissatisfaction, and large-scale protests demanding his resignation.

How did Indonesia’s political system change after Suharto’s resignation in 1998?

Following Suharto’s resignation, Indonesia entered a period of political reform, characterized by a more democratic system with direct presidential elections, checks and balances between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and decentralization of power.

How does religion, particularly Islam, influence political behavior in Indonesia?

Islam plays a significant role in shaping political behavior in Indonesia. Religious identity influences voting patterns, and political parties often incorporate Islamic values to gain support from the majority Muslim population.

How has social media impacted political behavior in Indonesia?

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have significantly influenced political behavior, particularly among younger voters. It allows faster dissemination of political information, encourages public discourse, and plays a role in election campaigning.