Building U.S.-Indonesia Mutual Understanding Since 1994

Democracy & Governance in Indonesia: Four Views

More than a decade after a severe economic crisis that led to a period of wrenching political turmoil, Indonesia has emerged economically strong and politically stable. Indonesia’s macro-economic performance has exceeded expectations since the 1998 crisis, in spite of the current global financial crisis and subsequent global economic downturn. In parallel, Indonesia’s political system has undergone a profound transformation. While the transition was initially tumultuous, there has been a growing sense of political stability, particularly in the last five years, as the democratic process has both deepened and achieved wider acceptance. Indonesia is now emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic middle-income countries. Yet, whether it fully realizes its potential, and how quickly it does so, depends upon Indonesia’s sustaining both democratic deepening and the implementation of the reforms necessary for good governance.

Our distinguished panel of experts will discuss Indonesia’s democratic development and its broader governance transition from varied perspectives. Please join us for this special event.

Amien Sunaryadi will provide his perspectives on the role that agencies such as the KPK, the Corruption Courts, and the Attorney General’s Office have played, and more importantly, can potentially play in spearheading Indonesia’s state-led efforts to prevent and combat corruption.

Shubham Chaudhuri will provide an overview of some underlying socioeconomic trends–the emergence of the middle class, the boom and projected decline in commodities-related extractive activities, rapid urbanization and a growing population of young, tech-savy Indonesians coming of working age–that present both opportunities and challenges for Indonesia’s on-going governance transition.

Gerald Hyman will discuss the challenges that Indonesia and other young democracies face in ensuring that electoral politics play an appropriately constructive role in the process of deepening democracy and strengthening governance.

Dewi Fortuna Anwar will describe Indonesia’s role in advancing good governance and democratic reforms both in the region and globally.  Dr. Anwar will highlight lessons learned from Indonesia’s democratic transition that can be applied to the Arab Spring. She will provide insights into Indonesia’s foreign policy, especially its leadership in various regional fora, including ASEAN, the G20 and the upcoming East Asia Summit.  Dr. Anwar will conclude with views on how these groups will develop and affect the region.

Each panelist will speak for between 5 and 10 minutes, followed by Q&A’s and a discussion period.

The panel discussion will be moderated by USINDO President David Merrill and Stefan Koeberle, the World Bank’s Country Director in Indonesia.