By : Listya Kusumaningtyas )*
The election of Indonesia as the organizer of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) proves the maturity of the quality of democracy in the country. Therefore, the support of all parties is needed to make this big event a success.
The quality of Indonesia’s democracy has always received appreciation not only from within the country but also from the international public. In December 2010, South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak made a statement regarding democracy and efforts to promote peace and stability. He believes that Indonesia, which is the third largest country in the world, can be a role model for other countries.
Myung-bak said that Indonesia’s ability to implement a democratic system by considering its background as a multicultural and multiracial country with a large population is extraordinary. He considered that Indonesia deserves to be a role model for other countries, especially those that are still pioneering the democratic system.
With democracy, the minority countries in the world can become the majority in the future. Then it can also create peaceful cooperation between democratic countries. Meanwhile, the New York Times has reviewed the condition of democracy in Indonesia since Suharto’s fall from the presidency.
Suharto’s ouster at that time was chaotic. However, Indonesia is greatly admired, because it is so ready to become a role model for democracy in Southeast Asia, especially regarding the transfer of power. The phenomenon of Indonesia’s rapid growth of democracy is considered rare.
Marcus Mietzner, an Indonesia Observer at the Australian National University said that there is no doubt that Indonesia is the most democratic country in Southeast Asia, and this is something that no one would have predicted in 1998. Previously on the occasion of Biden’s Democracy Summit, entitled ‘The Summit for Democracy 2021. Indonesia participated in the hearing which was attended by representatives from the main partner countries of the United States of America.
Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, assessed that Indonesia’s participation in democracy and human rights at the Biden’s Democracy Summit could further grow Indonesia’s existence. Puan said the forum was an opportunity for Indonesia to take action with developed countries in facing the challenges of democracy around the world today.
He hopes that various international forums can continue to bring up the issue of increasing democracy. On the occasion of the 143rd IPU in Madrid, Puan also had the opportunity to be a speaker in the forum and bring up the topic of democracy.
Puan said, as the guardian of democracy, Parliament must be at the forefront of efforts to strengthen democracy. In addition, Parliament must continue to prioritize the aspirations of the people in an effort to overcome the various crises that hit the world.
This of course shows that democracy in Indonesia is indeed widely observed by other countries.
Meanwhile, the 144th IPU event will later be attended by more than 1,200 delegates consisting of the Speakers of Parliament, members of Parliament and officials of the Parliamentary Secretariat of IPU member countries. In addition, there will also be leaders of international organizations, experts and practitioners as resource persons for the session, the media and other stakeholders.
At the 144th IPU event, Indonesia took the theme ‘Getting to Zero: “Mobilizing Parliament to Act on Climate Change.” The issue of climate change is taken as a big theme to be discussed because it concerns the survival and safety of the world. For the success of the 144th IPU event, Puan asked for support from the community so that this world event can run smoothly. After all, the successful implementation of the IPU in Bali will raise Indonesia’s name in the international arena.
For the success of the 144th IPU event, Puan asked for support from the community so that this world event can run smoothly. After all, the successful implementation of the IPU in Bali will raise Indonesia’s name in the international arena.
Democracy is a force that must be maintained, it is not impossible that member countries of the IPU will learn about democracy from Indonesia.
)* The author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute
