http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/04/18/democracy-here-don%E2%80%99t-be-complacent.html
Democracy is here, but don't be complacent Tifa Asrianti , The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Sun, 04/18/2010 9:53 AM | Headlines The consolidation of Indonesian democracy has been impressive, and with the turbulent democratic processes in the neighboring Southeast Asian nations, Indonesia could serve as a new beacon of democracy in the region. Indonesia's transition to democracy has in fact impressed even the most cautious political observers. Political scientist Larry Diamond of the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) at Stanford University, best known for works on democratic transition such as Political Culture and Democracy in Developing Countries, Promoting Democracy in the 1990s and Squandered Victory: the American Occupation and the Bungled Effort to Bring Democracy to Iraq, said that compared to other nations in Southeast Asia, Indonesia's progress in building democracy was quite impressive. "It's impressive that democracy is moving along. There is peace here. If you look at what is happening in Bangkok, the process of democracy looks pretty good here," Diamond told The Jakarta Post on the sidelines of the World Movement for Democracy conference earlier this week. Thailand, widely believed to be Asia's most stable electoral democracy, is currently in a political cul-de-sac as it is locked in bitter fighting between the "red shirt" rural-based protesters and pro-government supporters. The uncertainty over who will succeed King Bhumibol Adulyadej also complicates matters. Recent clashes that resulted in 21 deaths are also a reminder that political violence is part of Thai politics. Neighboring Malaysia, meanwhile, is still struggling to advance beyond its procedural democracy and has yet to arrive at a genuine democracy as indicated by the constant harassment of popular opposition leader and former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim and the regular muffling of conventional and new media. In the Philippines, once one of the most prosperous countries in Asia, which transitioned to democracy in 1986, things have gone downhill. Elections in the Philippines are frequently bloody affairs with candidates never reluctant to using guns and goons to contest for public office. The Philippines is now one of the most dangerous places for journalists in the world as indicated by a massacre last year of 57 people, including 27 journalists. Indonesian democracy has proven itself successful in overcoming a number of pressing problems in the past decade. Diamond said that one of the greatest achievements of Indonesian democracy was the fact that it could pull itself through severe political and economic crises and that it could re-elect a popular president in an election deemed free and fair by international observer. "When placed against the preceding 32 years, this is rather impressive. Economic growth has been reasonably good," he said. Diamond also said there were indications that democratic values had started to plant firm roots in the country. "Public surveys showed support of liberal values, check and balances and judicial independency, which are positive indications," he said. "The current achievements, however, are no reason to be complacent as there remains much to do. Indonesia should continue its democratic process. The spirit of reformasi [reform] should go on," he said. Democracy may have progressed smoothly, but Indonesia needs to work harder in its fight against corruption, which remains endemic. Indonesia is still considered one of the most corrupt countries in the world. "Corruption is still far too great. There is the Corruption Eradication Commission [KPK] that is working and trying to develop some momentum," he said. "There is a lot of works to do. Not only does the KPK need to establish more power, but it also needs to extend the institution to all provinces. Therefore, a clean government not only become major theme, but it also has to be applied at all levels," he said. In terms of democratic infrastructure, Diamond said that much more should be done. Indonesia needs more political parties that not only base themselves on issues and platforms, but should also exercise democratic procedures within themselves, Diamond said. And to prevent these parties from becoming breeding grounds for corruption, Diamond suggested that parties should publicly disclose all financial contribution from donors and supporters. Addressing religious extremism, Diamond said that the government should take stringent efforts to oppose firebrand groups in society. Indonesia, after all, is country with moderate Muslims dominating public life, he said, adding that the threat of Muslim fundamentalism uprising had so far not materialized. All of the problems plaguing the country's consolidation of democracy, however, are not unique to Indonesia. They are common problems to newly democratized polities anywhere in the world. And for all the problems, Diamond has this sweeping recommendation: "Indonesia needs to improve the rule of law, independence of the judiciary and establish an anticorruption body with far-reaching authority. There should also be public education on democracy, especially on the issue of obligations and rights. Democracy can only be on track when political leaders and civil society continue the process," he said. Diamond's recommendation was echoed by another speaker at the forum. Krzysztof Stanowski from Poland's Education Ministry said that based on the Polish experience, it was local people who took decisions, while the government stepped back and let people take the lead. "They should exercise local democracy and see the results of the change. Education for children is also important," he said. "If these problems are sorted out so democracy takes root, politics are preserved and policies are put in place to generate economic gains, then Indonesia will be the most dynamic emerging country in the world," Diamond said.
