Democracy never exists in a vacuum. It grows, is tested, and often experiences setbacks in tandem with the dynamics of power and citizen participation. In recent years, various indicators have shown that the quality of Indonesia’s democracy is facing significant pressure. A decline in the democracy index, the shrinking of civic space, and the stagnation of the political reform agenda are signs that the trajectory of our democracy is not on the right track.
This edition of the Bulletin is compiled against the backdrop of these concerns. Through the series of articles presented here, we aim to document and reflect on a number of significant events and trends affecting the quality of democracy, particularly in relation to the electoral system and civil liberties. From the stalled discussions on revising the Election Law, the emergence of talk about taking a shortcut through an Election Government Regulation in Lieu of Law (Perppu), to the increasing violence and intimidation against activists, all of these indicate interconnected problems.
This bulletin also offers an advocacy perspective by emphasizing the importance of upholding substantive democratic principles, not merely procedural ones. We also present election monitoring experiences from other countries, such as Nepal, as material for comparative reflection, demonstrating that democratic challenges are not unique to Indonesia; through this, we hope to provide valuable lessons to drive future improvements.
We hope this bulletin can serve as a reading space that is not only informative but also fosters critical awareness. For ultimately, the quality of democracy is determined not only by institutions but also by the extent to which the public remains engaged, speaks out, and upholds the values of freedom and justice.
