The Future of Indonesia’s Democracy Hangs in the Balance

Indonesia’s upcoming presidential race on 14 February will determine the future of the country’s hard-won democracy. The unexpected alliance between former student activist Budiman Sujatmiko and controversial figure Prabowo Subianto highlights the complex nature of Indonesian politics. As one of the largest and most diverse countries in the world, with a diverse range of political parties, Indonesia’s democracy has remained remarkably stable despite its challenges. However, concerns arise if Prabowo wins, due to his dark past and involvement in human rights abuses. The current president, Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo, has been credited for bringing stability to the country but has faced criticism for his authoritarian tendencies and political compromises. The upcoming election will test the resilience of Indonesia’s democracy and its ability to balance stability and democratic freedoms.