University of Indonesia (UI) Law Observer Hadi Rahmat Purnama said civil society needs to strengthen its position in voicing criticism of the government to save democracy in Indonesia. The public needs to learn from the 2024 elections which are considered to have put democracy in Indonesia at its lowest point.
This was conveyed in an online discussion with the theme The Future of Indonesian Democracy in the New Leadership Era,
Sunday (21/4). Hadi explained that democracy in Indonesia experienced many challenges during the two periods of President Joko Widodo’s administration. For this reason, the strength of civil society is needed to continue to guard democracy in the next government so that it does not get worse.
“We are currently faced with the latest conditions regarding the problems of our democracy. Civil society needs to strengthen its position in today’s democracy,” said Hadi.
He gave an example regarding legal products that have been born recently which only prioritize certain groups. The political attitude that society should take is to ensure accountability of government processes and programs towards the elected president and vice president.
“There must be a target that directs this movement, a movement from civil society to strengthen democracy in the future. Don’t let us slip too far,” he explained.
Also read: People’s Opinion Session: The 2024 Election is the Most Dangerous Election and Threatens the Future of the Republic of Indonesia
Meanwhile, Executive Director of Elections for Democracy (Perludem) Khoirunnisa Nur Agustyati explained that the completion of the 2024 election process must be a momentum for a comprehensive evaluation of both the implementation system, organizing actors, governance and law enforcement. He said that the 2024 election still has many shortcomings, even from a procedural perspective.
“We have held reinstatements many times following reconfirmation, but we still have to improve the procedures. Then in the Election Law (UU) there are lots of criminal articles, but the question is whether they are effective or not, whether they have a deterrent effect or not,” he explained.
For this reason, stakeholders, both the government and the DPR, must immediately improve regulations regarding the Election Law and the Political Party Law.
“Now I think many people are disappointed and angry and want immediate reform. And now is the time to reform both the Election Law and the Political Party Law, because this will determine the direction of democracy in the future,” he explained. (Z-8)
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