The Dangerous Romance of “Indonesian-Style Democracy”: A Critical Reflection at 80 Years of Independence

As Indonesia approaches its 80th independence anniversary, President Prabowo Subianto's call for a unique democracy rooted in local traditions raises concerns. Critics fear this "Indonesian-style democracy" may centralize power while masking past authoritarian abuses. True democracy requires accountability, independent institutions, and recognition of the dangers posed by political elites, urging vigilance for genuine liberty.

Premanism in Indonesia: Roots, Impacts, and Solutions

Premanism in Indonesia represents more than mere criminality; it reflects deep-rooted institutional failures, such as corruption and inefficiency within state systems. Street thugs exploit weak governance by extorting local vendors and businesses, with state actors often complicit. Addressing premanism requires systemic reforms, ethical governance, and empowered civic engagement to restore justice.