30 Minutes with MPR RI: Membangun Budaya Demokrasi #1

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Rudianda NU and Syarief Hasan explore the current state of democracy in Indonesia. While significant progress has been made in the last decade, concerns about stagnation, political polarization, and the suppression of dissent are raised. The importance of fair and transparent elections, especially the upcoming Pilkada, is emphasized, with a call for candidates to focus on constructive platforms. Both speakers stress the need for government and citizens to work together to strengthen democracy, guided by the values of Pancasila, to ensure a united and prosperous future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia is the third-largest democracy in the world, following India and the United States.
• 😀 Despite challenges, Indonesia's democracy has evolved significantly over the last decade, especially since the fall of the New Order era.
• 😀 Democracy in Indonesia saw substantial progress during President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's tenure, but the past five years have shown stagnation.
• 😀 Factors contributing to the stagnation include an ineffective check and balance system and a weakening of civil society's ability to voice critical opinions.
• 😀 Media coverage has also seen a decline, affecting the public's access to diverse viewpoints and impacting the democratic process.
• 😀 The rise of social media influencers and online discourse has raised concerns over freedom of speech and the role of criticism in democracy.
• 😀 One significant issue affecting democracy is the politicization of the bureaucracy, where political interests often interfere with state institutions.
• 😀 The upcoming local elections (Pilkada) and the presidential election are crucial tests of Indonesia's democratic maturity and offer a chance to improve the political environment.
• 😀 There is a strong call for a shift in the political contestation toward offering constructive, positive proposals for community development rather than focusing on personal attacks.
• 😀 The importance of Pancasila as the guiding philosophy for Indonesian democracy is emphasized, with the hope that elections will be free of money politics and transactions, ensuring a healthy, participatory democracy.

Q & A

What is the current state of democracy in Indonesia according to the discussion?

The democracy in Indonesia has been progressing over the past decade. While it was significantly boosted during the era of President SBY, there have been concerns over the last five years, including stagnation in democratic growth, and challenges in areas like checks and balances and civil society engagement.

How does the speaker assess the role of the legislature in the current democratic climate?

The speaker mentions that the checks and balances process within the legislature seems less effective at the moment, contributing to a decrease in the quality of democracy. There are also concerns over the role of media and civil society in maintaining democratic discourse.

What factors are identified as contributing to the stagnation of democracy in Indonesia?

Several factors are contributing to the stagnation, including ineffective checks and balances in the legislature, the rise of political polarization, the lack of robust civil society criticism, and the politicization of bureaucracy.

What role do 'buzzer' groups play in the current democratic context?

Buzzer groups, which are often used by different political factions to manipulate public opinion, are seen as problematic. The use of these groups for political purposes is viewed as damaging to the democratic process, as it undermines healthy political debate.

What is the speaker's view on the government's approach to handling political conflicts?

The speaker criticizes the government’s response to political conflicts, noting that sometimes it appears to be discriminatory. Specifically, when one side uses buzzer groups, it leads to criminalization, while the opposing side is often given a pass.

How does the speaker view the political climate ahead of the upcoming elections and regional contests?

The speaker believes that the upcoming elections, including regional elections (Pilkades), should focus on presenting positive, constructive proposals for development rather than resorting to negative campaigns. He emphasizes that democracy should be about offering solutions for the betterment of the people.

What is the importance of local leadership in the context of democracy?

Local leadership is crucial in ensuring democracy works at all levels. The speaker stresses that both national and regional leaders must uphold democratic values and foster an environment where elections and governance are based on the collective good rather than personal or partisan interests.

What does the speaker propose as the solution to reducing transactional politics in elections?

The speaker suggests that to avoid transactional politics, the government must ensure that elections, such as the Pilkada (regional elections), are held without the influence of money politics. Leaders should emphasize unity and the collective good, and citizens must participate in a responsible, informed manner.

What is the core idea behind the speaker's concept of 'Democracy Pancasila'?

The core idea behind 'Democracy Pancasila' is to uphold the values of Pancasila (Indonesia's state ideology) in democratic practices. The speaker believes that democracy should promote unity and cooperation, where, despite differences during the election period, the goal is to work together post-election for national progress.

How does the speaker suggest the public should engage in the democratic process?

The speaker suggests that the public should be active participants in democracy, both during and after elections. He stresses the importance of informed voting, avoiding divisive politics, and focusing on the common good to ensure that democracy becomes more mature and sustainable.