Jakarta-Public Relations. Indonesia is entering its third year in handling the pandemic conditions. In the context of democracy, this year, Indonesia is making a concerted effort to prevent the increasing rate of democratic regression. As part of a research organization that is active in overseeing the democratic development since the reform era, BRIN’s Political Research Center has responded to this phenomenon and seriously highlighted the decline of democracy.
BRIN’s Head of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Organization, Ahmad Najib Burhani, stated that a number of data found a clearer picture of our democracy. The dynamics of domestic politics in 2022 can be the kick off for political activities leading to 2024. “Hopefully, we can get a lot of benefits and clarity as to the direction of our government, and the projection of political democracy in the presentation delivered by the research team,” said Najib at the opening event of the Indonesia Political Outlook 2022: Projection of Democracy and Political Dynamics, Thursday (2/2).
“The transition period in an institution has a process which is an exception from normal conditions, which serves as a frame to see what the democratic process is like. The outlook, projection of democracy and political dynamics, and so forth may help us see the conditions that underlie the democracy in the country,” said Najib.
Meanwhile, BRIN’s Acting Head of Political Research Center, Athiqah Nur Alami, said that at the end of 2021, BRIN’s Political Research Center also held a webinar entitled Flashback of Indonesian Politics 2021. At that time BRIN research team highlighted the phenomenon of democratic decline that occurred in Indonesia and which may also occur in some areas in the world, including in Asia. “In recent years, there has been a setback in democracy, for example in term of freedom of expression and involvement of public participation in the government,” explained Athiqah.
In addition to the pandemic issue, Athiqah said that this year will be an electoral year or a political year as a projection of the future of democratic life in Indonesia. “Ahead of the electoral year, we all know that voting for simultaneous elections will only take place in 2024, to be exact on 14 February 2024, in accordance with the KPU’s decision,” said Athiqah. However, the stages of election begin in August 2022, namely registration and determination of political parties, determination of electoral districts, stipulation of presidential and vice-presidential candidates, and then campaign rallies by the candidates.
“Looking at the various stages of the election, we will see competition, maneuvers by political parties and political elites to gain sympathy and ultimately get people’s votes,” he said. In response, I think improvement of political literacy among the public, both digitally, in the mass media and social media, is crucial.
“This is also in line with the characteristics of democratic values which are increasingly dynamic and change according to the era, so it is necessary to continue conveying these democratic values from generation to generation,” explained Athiqah.
Athiqah said, BRIN’s Political Research Center, seeks to contribute in providing public awareness and political education to the public, in the hope of creating a healthy democratic life, and intelligent and mature Indonesian society in politics. (ar, mtr/ ed: drs)