On democracy

On democracy

Regarding, the article Better parties vital to Indonesia's
democracy published in The Jakarta Post on March 5. The most
effective way of strengthening both the reform process and
national integrity is to build social structures that allow all
Indonesians an equal opportunity to participate in contributing
to state policy. In this way, voices can be heard not only from
the urban super culture but also from the poorest village
communities.

High socioeconomic status does not mean a monopoly on good
ideas, as I discovered living for long periods in semi-rural
Java. The New Order's "festival of democracy" days are over.

Involvement means participation. The modernization of the
political party branch structure across Indonesia (consistent
with the Indonesian social values of consensus, deliberation and
mutual assistance) represents exciting possibilities for
progressive policies, but also for the transparent accountability
of office holders. This is one area where Australia, as a
neighbor with a long history of participatory democracy, could
make a far-reaching contribution to Indonesia's future. This is
one area where aid would pay huge dividends in terms of real and
lasting regional security.

ROB GOODFELLOW

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