Demokrasi Terpimpin di Indonesia Tahun 1959-1965

Summary

This video script provides an in-depth exploration of Indonesia's 'Guided Democracy' (1959-1965) under President Soekarno. It explains the reasons for adopting this centralized system, including instability from frequent cabinet changes and separatist movements. Key features of this era include the authoritarian rule of Soekarno, limited political party participation, and the rising influence of the military and communists. The script also covers significant domestic policies, controversial foreign relations, and the eventual downfall of Guided Democracy, leading to Soekarno's decline and the rise of Suharto's New Order.

Takeaways

• 😀 Demokrasi Terpimpin (Guided Democracy) in Indonesia lasted from 1959 to 1965 under President Soekarno, centralizing power to restore stability after the failures of the Liberal Democracy system.
• 😀 The system was introduced in response to the frequent cabinet changes, separatist movements, and political instability in the previous era.
• 😀 Soekarno's policy was marked by authoritarianism, with the president holding supreme power, leading to a centralized and top-down governance structure.
• 😀 Under Demokrasi Terpimpin, political parties had limited influence and were primarily seen as supporters of Soekarno’s policies rather than independent entities.
• 😀 The military played a significant role, operating under the dual function concept, providing both defense and political support to the government.
• 😀 The Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) gained strength during this period, becoming a major political force aligned with Soekarno’s vision.
• 😀 Human rights violations were widespread, with dissenters and political opponents often imprisoned without trial during this era of repression.
• 😀 The reinstatement of the 1945 Constitution provided a legal framework that centralized power further in the hands of Soekarno.
• 😀 Major infrastructure projects such as the Monas (National Monument) and Gelora Bung Karno Stadium were pursued to showcase Indonesia's strength, though these efforts were criticized due to the country’s economic instability.
• 😀 Soekarno’s foreign policy emphasized non-alignment but leaned toward the Communist bloc, leading to Indonesia's withdrawal from the United Nations and its alignment with China and other Communist countries.
• 😀 The collapse of Demokrasi Terpimpin occurred after the 1965 G30S/PKI coup attempt, leading to Soeharto's rise to power and the beginning of the New Order regime.

Q & A

What is meant by 'Demokrasi Terpimpin' in Indonesia, and why was it implemented?

Demokrasi Terpimpin, or Guided Democracy, was implemented in Indonesia between 1959 and 1965. It was characterized by a centralized system where all key decisions were made by the President, Soekarno, due to political instability, frequent cabinet changes, and economic difficulties during the previous liberal democracy period.

Why was the political system of liberal democracy seen as ineffective in Indonesia?

The liberal democracy system in Indonesia was seen as ineffective due to frequent cabinet changes, leading to political instability, and the rise of separatist movements, which made it difficult to achieve national security and economic development.

What were the key characteristics of the Demokrasi Terpimpin system?

Key characteristics of Demokrasi Terpimpin included the dominance of the President, a limited role for political parties, a strong military influence in politics, and a lack of checks and balances. The system also saw a shift towards a more authoritarian governance structure.

What role did the military play in the Demokrasi Terpimpin system?

The military played a crucial role in the Demokrasi Terpimpin system, not only serving as the nation's defense force but also becoming a significant political power, supporting the government through its 'dual function' as both military and political actors.

How did the rise of communism influence Indonesian politics during the Demokrasi Terpimpin era?

The rise of communism in Indonesia led to strong support for the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), which became a key ally of President Soekarno. This political shift contributed to a polarized political environment and growing tensions between different political factions.

What were some controversial domestic policies during the Demokrasi Terpimpin era?

Controversial domestic policies included the formation of institutions like the MPRS (People's Consultative Assembly) and DPAS (Supreme Advisory Council), both of which were controlled by President Soekarno. Additionally, the implementation of policies like the 'freekick' and the introduction of the political Nasakom concept (Nationalism, Religion, Communism) caused significant political tension.

How did Indonesia's foreign policy change under Demokrasi Terpimpin?

Under Demokrasi Terpimpin, Indonesia's foreign policy was characterized by a strong alignment with the Eastern Bloc, particularly through initiatives like the Non-Aligned Movement (GNB) and the creation of a political divide between 'Nefo' (New Emerging Forces) and 'Oldefo' (Old Stabilized Forces), which reflected Soekarno's preference for socialist and communist-aligned nations.

What impact did the construction of the Monas have on Indonesia's national identity?

The construction of the Monas (National Monument) in Jakarta was a significant national symbol, representing Indonesia's fight for independence and its aspirations as a global power. Despite the economic difficulties at the time, it was a symbol of President Soekarno's ambition to showcase Indonesia's greatness.

Why was the Ganefo (Games of the New Emerging Forces) held, and what was its significance?

The Ganefo was organized by President Soekarno in 1962 as a counter to the Western-dominated Olympics. It aimed to promote solidarity among nations in the 'Nefo' camp and was part of Indonesia's broader strategy to position itself as a leader of newly independent countries, though it was short-lived due to political and financial challenges.

What led to the end of Demokrasi Terpimpin in Indonesia?

The end of Demokrasi Terpimpin was triggered by internal political crises, including the G30S/PKI coup attempt in 1965, followed by the political instability and the issuance of the Supersemar (11th March Order), which transferred power to General Soeharto, marking the start of the New Order regime.