Academic Warns Indonesia Must Strengthen Democracy and Good Governance

Academic Muhammad Reza Syarifuddin Zaki from Binus University’s Faculty of Business Law has stressed the importance of Indonesia observing the growing danger of military coups in various countries, including in the Southeast Asian region. He also highlighted the increasingly widespread placement of active military personnel in civilian posts and state-owned enterprises, which he believes could have consequences for Indonesia’s standing in the eyes of the international community. Reza made these remarks during a public discussion titled ‘Military, Business, and Politics: Lessons from Military Coups in Various Countries’ held in Central Jakarta. According to Reza, developments in international law show a balance between respect for state sovereignty and the protection of democratic values and human rights. He explained that Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of a state, while Article 2(7) affirms that the organisation shall not intervene in the domestic affairs of its member states. ‘At the international level, there is a principle of non-intervention, but at the same time, the international community is increasingly paying attention to democratic practices, civilian supremacy, and respect for human rights,’ Reza stated. He added that a similar principle is reflected in ASEAN, which has long upheld the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states. However, political developments in the region indicate new dynamics. As an example, Reza pointed to the ASEAN Summit where Myanmar was not invited to be represented by the military junta leader following the political crisis in that country. ‘These developments show that the regional community is beginning to respond to domestic political conditions deemed to impact regional stability,’ he said. Reza believes Indonesia needs to be careful not to suffer a loss of trust from the international community if the practice of placing active military personnel in civilian positions continues to expand without a clear legal basis. He assessed that there needs to be consistency in implementing the principle of civilian supremacy as stipulated in the legislation.