How long until real change?

How long until real change?

Frank Feulner, Political Analyst, Jakarta, ffeulner@cbn.net.id

Five years have passed since the fall of former president
Soeharto and many Indonesians are wondering how much progress
their country has made. Once again there is tumult on the streets
as people commemorate the events of 1998 and reflect on the
sacrifices that were made then in the name of Reformasi.

But five years on, there's disillusion on the streets.
Protesters say the current regime has failed to lead the nation
in the spirit of reform and is only trying to preserve the status
quo. Corruption and human rights abuses are rampant and little
seems to be done to check the situation. Radical voices are
calling for a revolution to change the current stalemate.

Another concerned group of intellectuals and commentators are
also involved. With a little more detachment, they talk about the
gravity of the situation: Indonesia is emerging from 32 years of
authoritarian rule and has embarked on a multi-faceted transition
to democracy. This so-called "systemic change" is enormous in
scope and needs time and fortitude on the part of Indonesians to
see it through. According to this group, structural and
institutional change are as important as political will and
leadership. The intellectuals advocate patience and renewed
optimism.

There's another group which has lost much of the euphoria of
the early days of Reformasi. This last group is growing in
numbers. Their trust in new found rights and freedoms is waning.
Rising prices, increasing unemployment and a deteriorating sense
of security are causing hardship and unprecedented poverty. The
violence in conflict zones is not receding but rather increasing.
Theyre looking for a strong hand and possibly a strong man to
sort it all out, seemingly blind to the fact that this may be an
invitation for renewed authoritarianism.

So far, the spirit of democracy still prevails, with many
looking forward to the upcoming parliamentary and presidential
elections. But many Indonesians are also asking this question:
how many more elections does the country need until things really
change for the better?

There is no simple answer. Indonesia will need many more
elections in the months and years to come. Examples from
countries in Eastern Europe which have gone through similar
transitions show that it takes two to three cycles of elections
and parliamentary periods until countries have established fairly
stable and accountable systems. That formerly dominant parties
become transformed into one of many political players is only one
result of this process, increased public participation is
another. In Indonesia, the reform of election laws is still in
its infancy, including the direct election of the countrys
president. But increasing accountability of the elected and the
building of trust between voters and politicians should not stop
here. The direct election of provincial governors, district heads
and majors has to follow.

Moreover, democratic elections are not only reserved for
selecting candidates for political posts. To transform society
into a more democratic one, the building of trust and
responsibility is needed in many fields. Improved transparency
and electoral practices are possible at many levels: Within
political parties to elect their leadership, within labor unions,
chambers of commerce, universities and professional organizations
to name just a few. With increased openness and accountability
towards both their own members and the general public, these
reformed organizations of civil society can become the true
agents of change in Indonesia.

To grant wider choice and involve larger parts of society in
decision making will help to counter the increasing frustration.
Anarchy on the one hand and the possible reversal of the
democratization process on the other, have to be avoided. To that
end, the voice of the public and the voice of the media must keep
up the pressure for change.