RI democratic consolidation

RI democratic consolidation

From Bisnis Indonesia

The deepening and expansion of democracy, or democratic consolidation, needs behavioral and institutional changes that reflect socioeconomic demands and democratic values in society.

Studies of democratization have mentioned several factors contributing to such consolidation: the quality of civil society, the levels of consensus and nonconsensus among elite circles, the bureaucracy's capacity and effectiveness, and the rule of law.

In phases, Indonesia is introducing changes in political institutions to make the political system more representative and responsive to public aspirations. Besides direct presidential and regional-chief elections, new bodies have been set up, such as the Constitutional Court and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD).

The DPD is ideally expected to channel regional aspirations and interests in national policymaking. Along with the House of Representatives, the DPD can hopefully strengthen political representation at the national level.

However, the DPD's role is seen by observers as less effective because it lacks the House's authority, so that it only supports House decisions. The issue and debate over the fuel price increase recently is one example of this deficient role.

Meanwhile, to the general public, political institutions and their performance are not only judged by the sufficiency of their authority, but also by the extent these political bodies process and decide on issues in society while achieving concrete development gains.

BINNY B. BUCHORI Jakarta