Prerequisites for democracy

The desire for democracy through a process of democratization is growing in our society. This desire is amplified by improvements in education and in the economy, which have led to the growth of middle class groups. Another contributing factor has been the growing contact with other nations.

At the same time, however, those ideas and aspirations have not found the necessary democratic framework, organizations or culture. They have remained weak because no vision and no strong current has developed that is capable of incorporating all groups. On the contrary, what has developed is a climate of apprehension and mutual suspicion.

That climate needs to be cleared if a healthy culture and a healthy framework for democracy, and for the democratization process, is to be established.

-- Kompas, Jakarta