An Indonesian Democracy: Limits of a Majoritarian Democracy
Abstract: Indonesia has
continuously been praised as a successful post-authoritarian country
transitioning to democracy. However, seeing the numerous human rights
violations in the past decade alone especially towards alternative political,
religious and sexual identities, the success of democracy in Indonesia has been
put under the spotlight. This raises the question of the development of
democracy and the use of democracy in Indonesia in racticing and upholding
principles of social equality for all. In this article I wish to provide an
overview of majoritarian democracy, a form of democracy that is understood and
practiced in Indonesia. A form of democracy that rather than upholding values
that safeguards individual rights and diversity, may in fact undermine
religious and cultural diversity, enforcing a homogenized national culture and
values, which in return may engender human rights violations in the name of
national security that it in itself is defined by the majority.
Author: Ben Kristian Citto
Laksana
Journal Code: jphubintgg160002
