Asian CSOs ‘concerned’ for Indonesian democracy

BALI, Indonesia – On the eve of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s final Bali Democracy Forum, an international network of pro-democracy groups issued a statement criticizing setbacks in the country’s democracy.

The Seoul-based Asian Democracy Network (ADN) said the controversial passage of the Regional Elections Law – which removes the right of Indonesians to directly elect their governors, mayors and district heads – “affects negatively the Indonesian reputation as a champion of democracy in Asia recent years”.

The statement is a blow to Yudhoyono, who initiated the annual forum in 2008 to showcase Indonesia’s successful transition to a democracy and provide a platform for dialogue and cooperation. 

ADN said its statement was in solidarity with the 11 Indonesian civil society organizations that declined invitations to the first Bali Civil Society Forum, which took place Wednesday and Thursday, October 8-9, ahead of the 7th inter-governmental Bali Democracy Forum on Friday and Saturday.

Yudhoyono has borne the brunt of the blame for the passage of the controversial law, as his party, the ruling Democratic Party, was expected to oppose it. Instead, the Democrats – which at the time comprised the largest faction in the House of Representatives – abstained from voting and walked out of the plenary session after their 11th-hour proposal to keep direct elections on 10 conditions, or “improvements”, was rejected by the House speaker.

Though Yudhoyono on October 2 issued a special government regulation in lieu of law – called a Perppu – that cancels the controversial new law, the House can still vote to cancel it if it doesn’t agree.

Presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha called the actions of the 11 civil society groups “regrettable”, as the event was a forum for them to share their views on the democratic processes in the country, Kompas.com reported. 

Julian also rejected criticisms that the country’s democracy was deteriorating. “It’s because of their own perception or interpretation, because in reality the position of the government is to fully support direct elections with the issuance of the Perppu,” he added.    

Aside from the Regional Election Law, ADN also took issue with the ban on protests during the forum.  

“We consider the freedom of assembly to be one of the cornerstones of democratic society, which is necessary to enable people to participate in any democratic processes in a free, active and meaningful manner. Such a ban should be withdrawn immediately,” ADN’s statement said. 

The international forum will be attended by Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, who is co-chairing the event, Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, and the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Hassanal Bolkiah. Delegates from 81 countries, including several ministerial-level officials and ambassadors, are also scheduled to attend. 

During the event, Yudhoyono is expected to confer to Aquino the “Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna (Star of the Republic of Indonesia),” the highest decoration awarded by the Indonesian government “to an individual who has contributed extraordinary service to the integrity, viability and greatness of Indonesia.” 

About 4,600 military and police personnel, 5 Indonesian warships, 4 F-16 fighter jets and 4 Sukhoi fighter jets have been deployed to safeguard the event. – Rappler.com