Democratic Resilience, Is It Possible?
Dzuriyatun Toyibah
THE DRAMA leading up to the 2024 elections reinforces concerns about the vulnerability of democracy in Indonesia. Previously, Indonesia was shocked by the idea of postponing elections, as well as the idea of three terms for Jokowi's government. When these ideas proved unsustainable, there was optimism about the resilience of Indonesian democracy.
The struggle for democracy is generally initiated by civil society. Indonesia owes its debt to figures such as Abdurrahman Wahid, Nurcholis Madjid, BJ Habibie, Azyumardi Azra, Syafii Maarif, and other figures who persistently fought for democracy. Due to its persistent struggle for the establishment of democracy, Indonesia is known as one of the largest democratic countries with a Muslim majority population. This struggle can break the opinion that Islam is not compatible with democracy.
Democracy can survive because there is wisdom, conscience and common sense. Democracy must continue to be expressed so that it is not distorted by the interests of power, either by those who seize or maintain power. In this case, the role of youth and students as well as voluntary organizations (civil society groups) is very important.
Youth and student movements
The younger generation is always expected to be a militant force in defending democracy. It cannot be denied that there are always concerns and rumors that young people and students are not completely pure in their conscience. There are accusations that youth and students are also involved in practical politics, driven by certain political interests.
Despite the perception that youth and student movements are a myth, hope for youth and students as the main pillars of democracy is a very logical thing. First, building a strong and sturdy system is something that is closely related to the interests of the younger generation.
A strong system will guarantee life in the future based on the values of justice, equality and freedom. With a fair system, the younger generation will enjoy a civilized and dignified life. This system guarantees equality of opportunity, more professionalism which promises a better life.
Second, it is very unfortunate when young people and students act pragmatically, chase momentary pleasures, act hedonistically, apathetically, justifying any important means to gain profit. Of course, it would be very sad if pragmatic youth and student groups became the determinants and controllers of Indonesia's future history.
Education in Indonesia is not yet ideal, so Indonesia is anxiously awaiting the emergence of a young generation with strong character who can maintain Indonesian democracy. With a survey showing that more than 50% of first-time voters can tolerate dynastic politics, this is certainly a very worrying reminder. There needs to be a systematic effort to bring awareness to this situation, there needs to be an attitude not to give up, let's rise to face this situation.
Voluntary organization
Voluntary organizations have a strategic role in democracy as they hope for youth and students to become the main support of democracy. At the end of the New Order, voluntary organizations mushroomed. There are many research institutions that develop ideas about democracy, very warm discussions about various things that enliven the public sphere. From there, critical thoughts emerged to consolidate democracy. Intellectuals, academics, activists and students have become a very strategic force.
Indonesia is a relatively safe and stable democratic country because there is a tradition of volunteerism. Most Indonesian citizens are accustomed to organizing. Gatherings that are harmonious in nature include discussing social issues, training leadership, discussions and expressing freedom of speech and opinion.
The emergence of various voluntary organizations, where people are not only affiliated with one organization, but can join two or more membership organizations, has resulted in the emergence of safety valves that prevent too deep conflicts from occurring because these safety valves facilitate conflict resolution.
Along with the Reform Order, political forces emerged that were too dominant and weakened the strength of civil society. Figures, intellectuals who led voluntary organizations, moved to occupy positions in government and other political institutions. Nevertheless, the hope of voluntary organizations to remain civil society organizations also remains logical, considering the historical role they have had. In the midst of political pragmatism, Indonesia longs for the return of the civil society movement.
Democratic resilience
Democracy does not exist in a vacuum. On the other hand, democracy is determined by the extent of commitment of all parties to be on the rails of democracy. There needs to be awareness from all parties to maintain democracy. Unfortunately, political reality has produced an overly dominant elite, external appearances and dominant narratives created by political authorities to deceive the public. The available choices are the result of manipulation of democracy, resulting in choices that do not meet the standards that would be satisfactory if democratic criteria were used.
Indonesia must make peace with reality, there is no choice but to accept what is as reality and prevent worse things from happening. What we should be grateful for is that Indonesia has managed to overcome the challenge of polarization in social life which was very sharp as a result of the 2019 Election.
Likewise in a democracy, the people ultimately have the power to choose. Unfortunately, the options available are not ones that do not involve complicating risks.
The challenges that are still very strong in the future are money politics and dynastic politics, as well as narratives created to justify the situation by ignoring the substance of democracy.
A very difficult ordeal for civil society groups is the fear of speaking out because they are worried about dominant political forces which could destroy all potential. Indonesia is in a situation of chaos as a result of very unexpected engineering and the results are very surprising.
Making a mistake in making a statement, making a mistake in predicting what will happen in the future will risk the future. A very tough test for Indonesia, and hopefully it will remain strong and survive. Of course, we have to encourage it and still hope that the younger generation and civil society can still do something for Indonesia. (Fnh/ZM)
The author is the Dean of FISIP UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. The article was published in Media Indonesia's opinion column, Friday 24 November 2023, and can be accessed at https://m.mediaindonesia.com/opini/632094/resiliensi-demokrasi-mungkinkah