Democracy in Indonesia

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