Is ‘Democracy’ Dying in Indonesia? What It Means for All of Us

Disclaimer: All the key talking points and discussions mentioned in this article represents my personal opinion and does not reflect the views of the companies and organizations which I am affiliated with.

As an Indonesian, I feel the weight of the growing tidal change in the current atmosphere in our country. It feels that our own way of living is under threat from those looking to pull the rug under all of us. If there’s one tell tale sign that probably resonated in each and every one of us then that has to be the viral “peringatan darurat” video.

In case you’re wondering, that eerie and disturbing emergency alert system (EAS) was part of the Cold War simulation initiated by the United States to prepare its citizens from nuclear attack by the Soviet Union and its Warsaw Pact satellite states. Oddly, the so-called blue screen video already existed a year prior on YouTube (all part of a trend of old-school end-of-the-world scenario videos) and it was only a few days ago when it’s making headlines on social media, particularly on short-form video formats in TikTok and Instagram. It is associated with a content creator fascinated with analog-style VHS ‘creepypasta’ videos that somehow simulated the uncertain political landscape of Indonesia in the 1990s (during the waning years of Suharto’s Orde Baru regime).

If you come to think of it, that “emergency warning” is more than just a symbol, it’s a cry for help. This isn’t about political parties, affiliations, or even about who’s sitting in the highest office - this is about the leadership that should be serving us, the people. Some may say that it spread like wildfire as if it came at a perfect timing when protesters tried to storm the parliament a couple of days ago. Perhaps, the proposed electoral law might have been the controversy that sparked the fire thereby bringing all these things to life.

Yet, there is a troubling trend of rule changes being made behind everyone’s back, seemingly tailored to favor specific individuals. This raises alarm bells as it hints at the emergence of a political dynasty, something that weakens the very fabric of our democratic institutions that ensures checks and balances and more importantly, prevents a certain few from taking power for themselves.

I can’t blame people for voicing out their opinion in the loudest way possible - they want to hold their government and the politicians accountable. We may have won the battle last week when the DPR finally approved the KPU regulations, bringing the electoral threshold and age limit in line with the Constitutional Court's ruling. However, we must not be complacent and must continue to monitor this process

My ‘No-Holds Barred’ Take

As someone who typically refrains from sharing political opinions publicly, this moment feels rather different for me. The last presidential election felt more like a pre-scripted drama you see on television rather than a genuine democratic process you hoped it to be. Let’s face it, it’s already a dead giveaway when the results seem predetermined, leaving many of us questioning the very point of casting our precious votes in the first place. Democracy is supposed to offer us real choices, yet this felt more like a charade.

The impact of this disillusionment is profound. Our leaders, seemingly insulated from the realities faced by everyday Indonesians, appear more interested in preserving their power than in addressing the urgent needs of the people. While they live in luxury and opulence, many citizens struggle to get by to overcome the never ending cycle of poverty, higher cost of living, and the increasingly convoluted bureaucracy. The recent crackdown on protesters only highlights the growing disconnect between the rulers and ruled.

Although poverty has halved for the past two decades, the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer on the opposite side of the socio-economic spectrum. We can’t blame the former, when they only wanted to stay on the good side of the ruling elite. That means, some businesses and companies have to choose their side and get on their good graces. With elections coming up, we can see the same pattern playing out right in front of our very eyes. I see the younger generation leading the charge for political change as long as politicians don’t use them for their own political ends.

As much as we all fight to kill off political dynasties, it seems that they have been there for quite a while already. The country can be seen as a hodgepodge of different political and cultural divisions led by traditional politicians for generations. It’s not a surprise that a certain ruling class would have to take root. During the years of the Dutch East Indies, the colonial government would have to delegate certain political power to established local elites to do the work for them. Some things never change. Otherwise, the whole political system where everyone is connected (through gratitude, political favors, and marriage) will collapse. Many of the old sultans and tribal chiefs of the past were eventually transformed into modern-day politicians and bureaucrats.

I can’t help but think back to the staged nature of the presidential election. It was a painful reminder that our voices are being stifled, and our democratic rights are being eroded. And now, as we look forward to the upcoming regional elections, it feels like history is set to repeat itself. Why do we even bother? Why should we waste our hard-earned tax money on what seems to be a predetermined outcome? Some yearn for true and meaningful change but a lot of people sell their dignity for a couple of rupiahs.

The consequences are dire for the people. The leaders seem indifferent to the daily struggles of ordinary citizens. While they indulge in extravagant lifestyles, families across the whole breadth of the archipelago are fighting just to put food on the table. Who cares for the orphans, the minorities, and the underprivileged? It’s clear that those in power do not. If they do, these poor people are just props in their TikTok videos or Instagram stories.

The middle class and small business owners are burdened with exorbitant taxes and endless red tape, making it nearly impossible to thrive. The system feels designed to crush us into submission, forcing us to pay more just to obtain the basic permits needed to run our businesses. Meanwhile, those who dare to speak out are met with intimidation and threats.

Adding insult to injury, leading influencers are being paid to paint a rosy picture of our nation’s current state. I’ve seen the evidence first hand—a close friend of mine, an influencer, was offered money to post content that supports the government’s narrative. It’s disheartening to see how far the powerful will go to manipulate public perception. All the political grandstanding and positioning you see on the news don’t show the compromises and decisions being made on your behalf. And, you don’t even have a say on many of these things that will affect every single one of us.

What Can We Do?

In today’s highly polarized and divisive society, there are so many things that we have to consider especially when changes in the political landscape do have a significant effect on businesses. If you’re a business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, you may have to rethink your strategies. Competing against government-supported or politician-funded influencer campaigns might not be the best use of our resources. Instead, let’s focus on alternatives that can sustain our businesses during these turbulent times. And, of course, always maintain an emergency fund to prepare for the unexpected.

If there’s one thing we can do to contribute, it’s through powerful and compelling content. Now is the time to take a stand. We need to raise awareness and mobilize people to fight against this injustice. Consider creating socially-responsible content that speaks to the current situation while remaining relevant to your audience. When you make a social media post, it has to effectively balance social commentary with engagement.

Singer Isyana Sarasvati embraced the viral trend by showing the blue screen at the 2024 LaLaLa Festival while also performing a salute towards the background. That kind of act is an ingenious way of bringing what’s supposed to be a social media domain into the mainstream. It’s nothing new as back in the day, entertainers hid their protest in plain sight by masking it with their musical performances or artwork.

Non-profit organization Indonesian Youth Diplomacy is a remarkable group that empowers inclusive diplomacy for the youth to make a global impact. They hosted and organized a lot of events tailored specifically for the youth so they can build their full potential and achieve growth opportunities they don't normally achieve with traditional establishments.

Be a Future ‘Changemaker’

With 52% of Indonesia’s population span both Millennial and Gen Z generations, they have the power to change the world. However, we can’t deny that there are a lot of things that could affect collective decision making.

For individuals, especially those who are job seekers, fresh graduates, or recently laid off, I can’t blame some of you for considering the idea of leaving the country for better opportunities. We live in a globalized world and so moving overseas is not a sign of disloyalty. To be fair, it’s a pragmatic choice for those who need to provide for themselves and their families. Sometimes, staying here in Indonesia can stifle your career growth and professional development. For some young people, there’s simply not a lot of job opportunities suited for them in your own home town. At the end of the day, self-preservation takes precedence over patriotism.

With that being said, I wanted to be part of the change and that’s why I take our internship program seriously because I know I would help forge a different mindset that these impressionable young minds can bring in their personal and professional lives. More importantly, I want to be someone who could bring a big change to their lives regardless if they decide to work with me or find greater opportunities elsewhere.

But, that doesn’t mean you have to leave everything behind. I encourage you to chase your dreams. You can only help this country if you’re standing on solid ground, with a stable income and a secure future. If you choose to return one day to contribute to Indonesia’s progress, great. If you decide to build a new life elsewhere, that’s okay too. The important thing is to do what’s best for you and your loved ones.

For those who have the privilege of a platform, I urge you to use it. Whether you’re a student at Universitas Indonesia, a content creator, or a journalist, your voice matters. Keep fighting, whether it’s through peaceful protests, writing to government officials directly, starting online petition campaigns, or sharing your views online. Every action counts, and I pray for the safety and strength of those who continue to stand out for our country. In the end, the power of the youth lies in strength in numbers.

There’s Still Hope

Democracy is something that must be fought for and protected, just like our forefathers did when they went to battle to win our independence. Let’s take these things happening right now as our call to action. The challenges we face are real and cannot be ignored.

Just as we explore these turbulent times, it’s important to remember that change starts with us. Whether through raising our voices, supporting socially-responsible businesses, or simply making informed choices, we have the power to shape our nation’s future and destiny. Leaving the country is not giving up on all the things you fought for, you’re just looking for a different way to accomplish things in life.

For those who stay, continue to fight for a better Indonesia, one where democracy thrives, and the people’s voices are heard. The road ahead may be challenging, but together, we can make a difference. Let’s not lose hope and continue to push for change for the sake of our children’s future. We deserve a country where our leaders serve the people and where justice and fairness prevail.

I have high hopes for everyone to do the right thing.