The Involution of Democracy Post-Reform: Indonesian Case
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31849/joels.26832Keywords:
Involution, Democracy, Political system, Reform, IndonesiaAbstract
Besides causing political stagnation, the involution of democracy in post-reform Indonesia also potentially produces a return to an absolute system of government. However, this topic remains underexplored in scholarly discussions. In response to gaps in previous studies, this research focuses on how the involution of democracy has been experienced in post-reform Indonesia. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach rooted in the forms, factors, and implications of involution, this study highlights three key findings. First, political access in post-reform Indonesia is still under the power of the rulers. Second, prospective leaders in post-reform Indonesia's general elections are still dominated by the elite. Third, the upper class still dominates leaders elected in general elections in post-reform Indonesia. By mapping three key findings, the article sheds light on the involution of democracy experienced by Indonesia in the post-reform era, which appears in the form of stagnation of the political system, so that political access and the characteristics of the resulting leaders tend to ignore the process and principles of democratic values.
Keywords: Involution; Democracy; Political system; Reform; and Indonesia
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