One step at a time toward democracy in RI

By Aleksius Jemadu

BANDUNG (JP): For those who did not experience suffering under colonial rule, it might be difficult to grasp the meaning of independence. It might be taken for granted.

In its broadest sense, however, independence is not just the absence of foreign colonial rule. It is a nation's endless struggle to fulfill some noble objectives.

As clearly stipulated in the preamble of our constitution, our national objectives include protection of the motherland, social and economic welfare for the people, the enlightenment of national life and the promotion of world peace.

The new challenges for national independence today are no easier to deal with than the ones we faced during colonial rule. Indeed, the nation-state is confronting serious constraints in this era of globalization.

Developing countries, in particular, have to deal with democratic movements that get strong support from governments of industrial countries and international human rights groups.

The establishment of a democratic government based on the state ideology, Pancasila, and the 1945 Constitution is one of the noble ideals to flow from the proclamation of independence. Surely, we still have a long way to go before we can realize this ideal.

Many agree that the careless adoption of Western liberal democracy by our political system would not work. However, this cannot be used as a justification for the perpetuation of the status quo which serves the political and economic interests of a privileged few.

What is important is the real commitment of the ruling power to improve the quality of our "democratic" institutions. Without such a commitment people would not believe that we are still on the right track and heading toward a democratic and prosperous society.

The antithesis of democratic government in many developing societies is the phenomenon of political elitism. This refers to a situation in which the political dynamics of a state do not reflect the demands the people but rather the interests and values of the elite.

Changes and innovations in the political system are a result of the elite redefining their own values. Elitism may not necessarily mean that public policy will be against mass welfare, only that the responsibility for this rests upon the shoulders of the elite not the masses. Another characteristic of elitism is that it views the masses as largely passive, apathetic and ill- informed.

Indeed it can be said that governments in developing countries, such as Indonesia, are always tempted to dominate the whole political and economic processes in society because such an opportunity exists. The bureaucracy in developing societies is known to be the main agent of social change. However, from a democratic point of view, there is a limit to the dominance of the political elite in social life. As good seeds cannot grow on infertile soil, so democracy cannot flourish in a deprived society.

It is often argued that people in developing societies are not prepared for democracy. Political participation by the people in the policy-making process should be restricted so that they do not destabilize the whole system. Too much and too early, political participation can be dangerous for national unity. While there is some truth in this argument it is also necessary to discuss the preparedness or willingness of those in power to create a democratic state.

While there are no easy answers for a political leader planning to initiate a democratic process, there are some suggestions to guarantee a gradual and peaceful change in a political system.

First, a political leader must be open and honest to ensure people do not become suspicious of his or her political actions and inactions. An honest leader will be respected by the people. Political honesty can also be very effective in preventing the spread of nonsensical gossip about a political leader. Conversely, a blocked communication between a leader and the people can lead to unnecessary suspicion and feelings of insecurity.

Second, political leaders in developing countries do have the capacity and opportunity to activate the political system and encourage it to endorse a democratic movement from above. Democracy always assumes the presence of two inseparable conditions: people's participation in political life and the willingness of the government to ensure this participation is for the benefit of all. However, the biggest constraint to a government's initiatives in managing a democratic movement is its own preference to perpetuate the establishment.

Third, a political leader should get rid of opportunistic subordinates. The presence of opportunists in a political system can be very counterproductive to the growth of democracy. The reason is that they can be loyal to their superior but repressive and undemocratic toward their own subordinates. These officials always tend to seek favor with their superior while neglecting their main task as public servants. And they will use their privileged position to accumulate political and economic benefits for themselves.

During the last three decades, economic development has become the main agenda of the New Order government. We have to admit that, notwithstanding all its shortcomings, the government has succeeded in emancipating the Indonesian people from economic backwardness.

In addition to economic emancipation, however, we have to create more opportunities for political emancipation. To achieve these two aspects of human freedom is part of our never-ending struggle to change the feudalistic colonial structure of our society. We have gained independence from colonial rule and now must substantiate it.

In the final analysis, independence is what we make it.

The writer is a lecturer at the School of Social and Political Sciences at the Catholic University of Parahyangan, Bandung.