Democracy in Indonesia
We cannot deny that there are many interpretations of the word democracy. Even in communist countries they claim that their way of political life is democratic. What I want to write about is how democracy is interpreted in Indonesia.
The easiest way is to say that democracy means freedom, but then we must ask also how free is our freedom. We live in a society where strong groups and weak groups exist, and since we are a civilized society the law of the jungle is not applicable here. We must realize that there is no such thing as unlimited freedom in a civilized democratic community.
How far are the limitations and how much freedom do we have? The balance between freedom and limitations is laid down in the law of the country. We all must adhere to this and here we are asked to show our sense of responsibility inherent with the freedom we want.
Freedom must be developed, not only because the Indonesian community is a democratic community, but freedom is necessary because it leads to creativity, something we need for our national development.
So people are free to create organizations and political parties as there are no regulations forbidding it. On the other hand, what good is a party if it cannot participate in the most important democratic/political event (the general election)? Only through a free, legal election can you know how strong you are politically. Even a campaign or demonstration does not give an accurate picture of political strength, whereas an election can.
A practically unknown retired Army general wrote in his book Indonesian and I, page 226: "Campaigns are not an accurate barometer of strength. I have seen people attending and wearing the campaign shirts of one party and the next day they do exactly the same for another party. For them it is a matter of income. You get pocket money and a free shirt if you shout the right slogans. The following day again you do the same for another free shirt and pocket money. At the end of the campaign you have shirts from all parties. What are you? You are a real nationalist because you stand above all parties."
Up till now only two political parties and one functional group are legal contestants in the coming election. What I want to say is, is that instead of creating new things perhaps it is better to stay within the existing framework and with this legal tool try to improve the political situation.
A few months back we witnessed the mushrooming of organizations but now nothing is heard of them anymore. The statement of the coordinating minister for political affairs and security of there being no possible room for a new political party according to existing laws is very clear. However, the government cannot forbid their formation. So the existence of a new party has for the time being no practical political value.
Politics is a battlefield and the battles should be fought with wisdom and cunning, using legal tools. The first thing to do is to create the right legal environment, so that you can act and function with a chance of success. Keep a cool head and map out your strategy with accuracy, taking into account the prevailing conditions.
SOEGIH ARTO
Jakarta