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.