Publications #book

This publication developed out of attempts by academicians and activists to contribute to transformative politics. By acquiring accurate contextual sources and analysing the processes and problems of democratisation in a theoretically inclusive way, the book challenges mainstream assessments that have come to parallel the industry of measuring economic growth. The book summarises critiques of these approaches, suggests a comprehensive alternative framework and demonstrates how alternatives work in reality through a case study of the largest of the new democracies: Indonesia.

Indonesia’s democracy is in currently in a critical phase. It has been widely acknowleged that pro-democracy activists are marginalised, while elites continue to maintain oligarchic power. Democracy in the world’s third largest country can only become meaninful when ordinary people have the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives and to transform the nation from one governed by violent conflict to one defined by peaceful politics. This publication outines the most serious problems facing Indonesian democratisation. It also examines the basis for elites’ domination and strategies to overcome it. It questions how pro-democracy actors can be empowered to take the initiative towards self-revitalisation. Based on a longitudinal study investigating the root causes of challenges to democracy in Indonesia, Making Democracy Meaningful contributes empirical knowledge on the birth of a new agenda for democratisation. The study, which outlines the perspectives, experiences and reflections of 800 democratisation advocates from 32 provinces in Indonesia, is the first to provide comprehensive information on the state of Indonesia’s democracy.

Most political actors in Indonesia have adjusted to the existing rules and regulations for democractic procedure. However, an emphasis on outcomes and general habits (the culture of politics) neglects the fact that Indonesia’s democratic infrastructure remains insufficient. Alternative actors in particular lack the capacity to use and promote the means of democracy. Organised democracy, and particularly a system of representation, continues to be monopolised by a powerful elite. Based on surveys on democracy, this collection of essays suggests that Indonesia’s democracy has been hindered by a number of factors. While all citizens have acquired voting rights, certain segments of society, including women, the poor and other subordinated groups lack political capital and are therefore de facto prevented from running as candidates or, in extreme cases, even from voting to ensure popular representation. Basic issues of equal civic rights and political equality thus present ongoing challenges, as well as opportunities for progress similar to prior movements for achieving voting rights. The immediate needs are to a) develop well-organised, non-partisan political blocs to foster independent popular influence within organised politics; b) alter current relations of power through the expansion of popular representation and participation; and c) increase bargaining power to foster compromises that move towards rights-based sustainable development.