Indonesia Needs a Soothing National Narrative to Face Democracy Challenges
The government faces policy dilemmas with no truly comfortable options.
Politician Mahardhika Sukarno, or Didi, assesses that Indonesia’s biggest challenge currently is not only related to economic issues or global geopolitical dynamics, but also the direction of democracy, which is beginning to be practised incorrectly by some parties.
As the grandson of Indonesia’s first President Soekarno, Didi views nationalism as the main foundation in every state practice. He highlights symptoms where democracy is no longer run as a healthy correction mechanism, but is used as an instrument to delegitimise the government.
According to him, democracy should function to improve the system, not to undermine the legitimacy of the state.
‘Criticism of the government is an important part of the democratic system. But when that criticism no longer aims to improve, but instead systematically weakens public trust, what occurs is a distortion of democracy,’ Didi stated in his comments on Wednesday (8/4).
He assesses that such practices could cause serious impacts, especially amid a global situation full of uncertainty. Political polarisation triggered by delegitimisation is seen as capable of eroding national unity while weakening Indonesia’s position internationally.
As the son of Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, Didi asserts that Indonesian democracy must remain grounded in the values of gotong royong, musyawarah, and the overall interests of the nation. He reminds that freedom of opinion must not turn into a tool that creates political instability.
According to him, Indonesia currently needs political stability supported by constructive criticism, not attacks that could weaken state legitimacy. Nationalism, he says, is not only about facing external influences, but also maintaining domestic social cohesion.
As Deputy Secretary General of the Gerindra Party’s DPP, Didi states that he will continue to promote a soothing yet firm national narrative in safeguarding the direction of national democracy.
He reminds that the struggle to maintain Indonesia does not stop at the moment of independence, but continues in ensuring that democracy runs on a path that strengthens the nation.
Amid the torrent of information and political contestation, this view serves as a reminder that nationalism and democracy must fundamentally walk hand in hand and mutually reinforce each other to preserve Indonesia’s integrity and future.