Posts with tag: Democracy

Prabowo’s myth of ‘polite democracy’
Analysis, PoliticsThe reproduction of cultural narratives and myths, such as the ideal of a harmonious village, often serves to maintain the existing power hierarchy. The new administration’s emphasis on similar narratives, now presented as ‘polite democracy’, warrants caution because it can be easily abused to silence critics and suppress opposition.

Election fatigue or elite shenanigans? Why fewer Indonesians went to polls to elect their local leaders
Analysis, ElectionsThe old narrative that elections are a "people's festival"–a manifestation of the people's political sovereignty–now rings hollow to many Indonesians, especially in Jakarta. Local elections have become a political game only the elite can play, leaving voters out in the cold.

Jokowi’s 10-year presidency: a tragedy for Indonesia’s democracy?
AnalysisFor some, Jokowi’s biggest legacy may be the greater economic prosperity he promoted. For others it may be Nusantara, the new capital city project in East Kalimantan that he launched. But his longest lasting legacy may be the damage he has done to democracy.

Azyumardi Azra: the sleepless and inspirational intellectual who transformed Islamic education
Education, Top StoriesMuch-loved scholar of Islam and prominent public intellectual Azyumardi Azra died suddenly on 18 September.

Talking Indonesia: democratic regression and the environment
Environment, Politics, Talking IndonesiaHow are post-truth politics and democratic regression affecting environmental protection in Indonesia? Tito Ambyo chats to Dr Dirk Tomsa in the latest episode of Talking Indonesia.

Indonesian oligarchs are defending their wealth at the cost of democracy
2024 Indonesian Elections, Corruption, Politics, Top StoriesPresident Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has finally acted to quash efforts to extend his time in office beyond his constitutionally mandated two-term limit. But there is no guarantee that the oligarchs who want him to stay in power will listen.
Mural controversies expose the poor health of Indonesian democracy
Arts, Human Rights, Law, Top StoriesThe repressive police response to three murals criticising the government's management of the Covid-19 pandemic is just another sign of the rapidly declining health of Indonesian democracy.
Talking Indonesia: protest
Politics, Talking IndonesiaHow has protest changed in the age of social media, and how has the state responded to mass protest? Are there parallels between protest movements in Indonesia and its regional neighbours? Dr Dave McRae discusses these issues and more with Dr Yatun Sastramidjaja in the latest episode of Talking Indonesia.
The limits of regional autonomy: Jember DPRD takes aim at popular district head
Human Rights, Law, Policies, Policy in Focus, Political parties, Politics, SocietyThe impeachment of Jember’s district head reveals constraints in the power of local heads lead policy, write CWI researchers Yolanda Pandjaitan and Roni.