Ani Widyani Soetjipto Political and Social Scientist
The nation needs grass roots democracy

Reforms over the past 16 years has made Indonesia more democratic. But there are some who feel Indonesians have been practicing democratic values long before reforms began. "People in the coastal areas are regarded as more egalitarian than those in the hinterlands," said 58-year-old Ani Soetjipto, a political and social scientist from the University of Indonesia, who specializes in issues of democracy.

Besides teaching, Soetjipto, a graduate of international studies from the University of Washington in the United States, is involved in human rights, gender equality and electoral reforms. One of the organizations she is a member of is the Center for Electoral Reforms (CETRO), which advocates fair and honest elections. Tempo English reporter Amanda Siddharta interviewed Soetjipto by telephone two weeks ago on the culture of democracy in Indonesia. Excerpts:

September 9, 2014