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Indonesian democracy: The blind man and the elephant
The path toward a mature democracy can be slippery, and along the way, there are opportunists ready to undermine the democratic process with monkey business.
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Students from around the world attend a discussion with Deputy Foreign Minister Mahendra Siregar on the evening of Dec. 5, 2019. (Courtesy of/Foreign Ministry)
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bserving Sarinah shopping mall in Central Jakarta, which is currently undergoing refurbishments, from a distance, I can hardly spot my favorite Acehnese coffee shop. I cannot wait to visit and sip a cup of Gayo coffee while mesmerizing myself with loyal customers discussing current issues.
My late father used to tell me that it was a habit of the Acehnese to spend too much time at the local coffee shop bantering about political issues.
This habit was disturbed during the decades-long armed conflict and the imposition of night curfews. As peace returned to Aceh, the province began bustling again with many coffee shops.
Recently, spending quality time at coffee shops has become a lifestyle among Indonesians. While some enjoy their time alone, perhaps due to the free Wi-Fi and COVID-19 weariness, others engage in conversation on various topics.
Social gatherings in public spaces and the ability to discuss whatever comes to mind, even to be critical on issues affecting the general public, represent freedom – freedom from fear, in particular.
In a way, the pulse of our democracy can be observed from the chorus of political conversations in coffee shops and public spaces in general. Similar vibrant political discourse also takes place through mainstream media and lately through the extensive use of social media platforms.
All of this represents active political participation and adds value to the pillars of democracy that we subscribe to, pillars which include a legitimate government as a result of regular elections at various levels of governance, the separation of powers and checks and balances.
