Complacency: Indonesia's democratic deficit

Adam Tyson, Toronto

As the Republic of Indonesia prepares for its first direct presidential elections since independence was achieved, many observers are putting the electoral system and the various candidates firmly under the microscope.

Under the watchful eye of domestic reformers and international monitors, electoral reform is seen as one of the successes of the reformasi era, just as the new press freedoms are seen as a victory for pro-democracy advocates and freedoms of association a victory for civil society.

Despite the obvious obstacles to political reform in Indonesia (such as conflict, corruption, and insecurity), there is much hope that the democratic momentum that has been building now for six years will culminate in the consolidation of the political transition that followed the collapse of Soeharto's New Order regime.

There are two orthodox ways in which to consider the dynamics of political change in any country. There is the top-down approach (or the structural approach) that in brief emphasizes the role of elites in politics, institutional and systemic reform, the evolution of law and constitutionalism, and the process of elections.

On the other hand, there is the grassroots approach that emphasizes the role of civil society networks, popular momentum, education, empowerment, mobilization, representation, and political awareness. The latter is more difficult to study in a comprehensive way as it remains elusive and volatile, often subjected to whims, deception and manipulation.

Compared to studying the changes that occur in the state bureaucracy, the civil service, the structures of state power, leadership, or the branches of government, taking a grassroots approach poses many empirical problems and conceptual difficulties.

Nevertheless, the success or failure of Indonesia's political transition will depend on a comprehensive understanding of both approaches, and given the immense attention being paid to the structural changes that are occurring at present, we should focus instead on the grassroots approach.

The current media hype and fanfare surrounding the 2004 legislative and presidential elections comes as little surprise given the precedent it might set for the future of Indonesia.

There is a vibrant student movement that plays a vital role in the national struggle for political liberation from the vices of authoritarianism.

One finds a wonderful sense of purpose and unity in the discourses about political reform and political renewal on Javanese campuses in Jakarta, Bandung and Yogyakarta, for example.

Likewise there has been a proliferation of NGO's (both domestic and international) that has helped bring financial aid and political representation to those who are marginalized or vulnerable. These developments are a testament to the resilience of the pro-democracy movement in Indonesia, not least because there is an equally powerful and well-organized resistance to political reform and democratization.

Some observers suggest that political awareness is low, participation is limited, interest in political affairs is circumscribed, and attitudes towards authority tend towards obedience with little willingness for confrontation.

Proponents of this view cite examples such as unwillingness to engage in controversial political debates, complicity towards and tolerance of corruption, and inherited traditions of obedience towards authority.

Immediately following the transition in 1998 there was a genuine opportunity to engage in a campaign at the grassroots level to educate and facilitate an understanding of democracy. Many believe that this opportunity was lost.

As a result of the lack of substantive change since the fall of Soeharto, it is held that disillusionment has spread throughout the public at alarming rates.

Instead of exercising discipline and contributing to the reform process, it is held that many people are abusing the freedoms that have been accorded to them, perhaps as a response to the decades of repressive conditions during the New Order and recent deficits in the democratic system.

When the euphoria of democracy swept through Indonesia there were many high expectations, but when these expectations were not met and conditions did not improve, disillusionment with the democratic government grew.

Whatever the causal factors may be, there is a situation at present that is seriously hindering the pro-democracy movement. People have not yet fully grasped what it means to be a citizen in a democratic country, and what rights, freedoms and responsibilities this democratic citizenship affords the individual.

There is a general reluctance to demand good governance from the leaders of the Republic of Indonesia, just as there is a tendency to tolerate the maladministration of government and the misuse of public funds, services, and utilities.

Although it is assumed at a grassroots level that government "by the people, for the people" is supposed to bring positive societal changes, it is still important for the public to realize that democratic principles must go beyond the political lingo or rhetoric of the government.

Those who hold office or wear a badge, in whatever capacity, so long as it represents state authority, must be held publicly accountable for their actions. The government of Indonesia must encourage the participation of the general public, must seek to broaden the representation of divergent groups in society, and must accept that transparency is a key component in securing the trust of the public.

The legitimacy of state power is always contingent on public satisfaction and support, and the government's ability to perform its responsibilities. Within the context of the upcoming presidential elections, there is a new opportunity to engage the public in politics and promote grassroots education and participation.

Two questions should be at the forefront of the current political debate surrounding the 2004 elections and the potential for change that it brings.

Firstly, will the people of Indonesia generate the courage or capacity to realize their democratic citizenship and all the rights and freedoms it guarantees?

Secondly, will the newly elected president of Indonesia seek to legitimize his or her mandate by breaking the trend of empty political promises and work to forge a lasting relationship between the government and the grassroots of society?

The writer, formerly a visiting researcher at Parahyangan Catholic University, Bandung, is now a PhD candidate at Leeds University, England.