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pril 5, p. 6

As a country that has experienced various forms of democracy, Indonesia knows about the struggle between theory and practice.

However, Indonesia today is far from a state of struggle. Rather, after India and the United States, Indonesia is rapidly securing a place in the realm of great, emerging democracies.

It was at the Bali Democracy Forum in 2008, sponsored by Indonesia and Australia, that more than 30 countries came together to exchange ideas on how best to consolidate democracy.

Humble about its successes and shortcomings as a young democracy, Indonesia was quick to promote greater political cooperation with its neighbors while expressing determination to do what needed to be done at home.

The forum today is alive and kicking with more than 70 countries participating.

In Indonesia, democracy started in 1998 when students took to the streets of Jakarta demanding change. Though its start was bloody, the ball of democracy has never ceased rolling. (By Julian Aldrin Pasha, Jakarta)

Your comments:

The writer is living in denial. Every day Indonesia regresses more and more towards the Dark Ages and a theocracy rather than a democracy.

Sheldon
Probolinggo

To me, it is just scary when people refuse to acknowledge that the horrible disease of twisted Islamism is gaining momentum much faster than democracy in Indonesia.

This is evidenced by so many governors moving to ban a religion (Ahmadiyah), the Javanese imams demanding that all female children wear a covering over their heads and the extreme number of attacks on minority religions just this year alone!

In terms of something as noble as democracy, which I will add is greater than any religion, Indonesia most certainly cannot be mentioned in the same breath with the US and India.

Rain
Makassar

Having a “meeting” about democracy means you are democratic? Indonesia is indeed a democracy, and the institutions of democracy are growing stronger each year. Every democracy has its issues and none are perfect.

Democracy in the US has shown great endurance and quality, but there are also extreme groups and points of view in America.

Some of these have affected political decisions in the past and present. India had done a great job of applying democracy to such a diverse state, but don’t forget that there are also issues there.

The caste system in India has not been completely dismantled, and is very undemocratic.

At the extreme end, there are still a large number of young girls killed in India for not agreeing to arrange marriages.

My point is, yes, every country has its challenges. The influence of extremely conservative Islam on political decisions in Indonesia is a challenge, but to get the full picture, open your eyes and see the good as well as the bad.

Indonesia is a democratic state — albeit with challenges just like the rest of them!

Michael
Australia