What the World Can Learn from Indonesia's Democracy

 

While large democracies like the United States and India often dominate global headlines, Indonesia's democratic process also deserves significant attention. In 2024, Indonesia has demonstrated its capacity to hold some of the world's largest and most complex elections, showcasing a commitment to democratic practices in a diverse and populous nation. Two decades after the fall of its authoritarian regime, Indonesia's democratic system has enabled a degree of political openness and elite circulation. However, underlying challenges persist, such as the pervasiveness of money politics and the rise of identity politics that exploit ethnic and religious divisions. These issues can undermine the integrity of democratic institutions and erode public trust.

 

As democracy faces significant challenges globally—from rising authoritarianism to declining public confidence in governance—Indonesia's experience offers valuable lessons on both the resilience and vulnerabilities of democratic systems. What has changed, and what remains constant after two decades of democracy in Indonesia? What can Indonesia teach us about sustaining democracy in the region and the world? This panel aims to explore these questions by examining Indonesia's democratic journey, analyzing its successes and ongoing challenges, and discussing implications for the future of democracy globally.

 

 

Irene Poetranto is a Senior Researcher for the Citizen Lab, an interdisciplinary research lab on digital technology and human rights at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto. In this role, she conducts primary research, collects and analyzes data, and produces written reports related to Internet governance and information controls (e.g., Internet censorship and filtering). Irene also participates in various Internet-related fora, as well as plans and coordinates activities related to the Citizen Lab’s thematic research areas, including gender and digital security.

 

Jacques Bertrand is a Professor at the Department of Political Science at the University of Toronto. He is also the Director of a Collaborative Master’s Specialization in Contemporary East and Southeast Asian Studies at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. His research interests include comparative politics, ethnic politics, and Southeast Asia. In 2022, he was nominated as a Lee Kong Chian NUS–Stanford visiting Fellow for 2022-2023.