2014: The Year of Defending Our Democracy
Philips Vermonte
Head, Department of Politics and International Relations, CSIS Jakarta
Indonesians have once again proven that they are indeed maturing towards democracy as the legislative and presidential elections passed rather peacefully. The noise and political tension were there, and will always be there, but they are two inseparable ingredients of our democracy. A good dose of political difference within the political community is needed to ensure that whoever is in power, does not govern with a blank check in his or her hand.
Having said that, however, questions remain: What do the 2014 elections signify? Are we consistently progressing towards democracy or are we regressing?
December 23, 2014
Philips Vermonte
Head, Department of Politics and International Relations, CSIS Jakarta
Indonesians have once again proven that they are indeed maturing towards democracy as the legislative and presidential elections passed rather peacefully. The noise and political tension were there, and will always be there, but they are two inseparable ingredients of our democracy. A good dose of political difference within the political community is needed t
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