Democracy bites in Indonesia

Democracy bites in Indonesia

This is Indonesia's year of voting frequently. That in itself is extraordinary. Since 1955 Indonesians have enjoyed only three genuinely competitive, democratic elections.

The so-called "festivals of democracy" which punctuated decades of authoritarian rule under the former president Soeharto tossed the odd free T-shirt and lunch pack the way of the masses. But not political choice.

Such scant regard for the opinions of ordinary Indonesians was long dismissed with a simple, paternalistic label. Last week, campaigning opened in the first round of Indonesia's first-ever direct presidential elections. At first glance, it seems the banner of democracy has been strung up over a familiar collection of faces. Indonesia's next president undoubtedly will be a member of the old political elite.

Mrs Megawati Soekarnoputri, the incumbent president, has exhibited all the disdain of a political princess for the lot of the long-suffering poor. Too many of her officials have also taken up where Soeharto's cronies left off, with their hands in the public purse.

A rare press conference called by Mrs Megawati last week, then, is a telling and important sign of change. It was not the vague, pedestrian policies Mrs Megawati put on the table -- promises on jobs, poverty alleviation, clean water, sewerage.

For the first time in half a century, the Indonesian people had a chance to judge an elected government. In doing so, they produced Indonesia's first electoral backlash. Political power, and the delivery of public services, is now clearly accountable to popular opinion.

The potential for Indonesia's fledgling democracy to continue to be marred by corruption, mismanagement and factionalism remains high. But the political myth in Indonesia of a strongman at the center of power, much like a Javanese king surrounded by a deferential populace, is breaking down.

Australia should welcome this, even though it means Indonesia is becoming an increasingly unpredictable and complicated neighbor. -- The Sydney Morning Herald.