Needdem To Support The Community To Guard Democracy: Including The Rise Of The Student Movement Due To The Issue Of Constitutional Violations

Illustration of a student demonstration in front of the Jakarta DPR Building. (Between)

JAKARTA - A member of the Advisory Council of Needdem Titi Anggraini assesses that the contribution of the community in guarding democracy during the general election (election) has an impact on electoral governance that is more professional.

Titi conveyed this in a virtual discussion entitled 'The Future of Indonesian Democracy in the Midst of the Dynamics of the 2024 Election' which was broadcast on the YouTube channel Perludem, Thursday, April 14.

"This election contributes to improving the performance of Indonesia's democracy, especially regarding electoral participation and the implementation of electoral management that is increasingly professional by an independent election management body," Titi said, quoted from Antara.

However, he said, there are several conditions that weaken the performance of democracy in Indonesia, namely the weakening of oversight of the parliament, the independence of the judiciary that needs to be improved, and the corruption score which is getting worse and worse.

Moreover, he continued, electoral practices that contributed greatly to democracy had come under attack from political elites which resulted in uncertainty in the implementation of elections.

Therefore, to maintain the resilience of Indonesia's democracy, Titi said that one of the main assets that must be maintained by the community is trust in a democratic government system and constitutionalism.

Titi views it is necessary for the community to maintain the dynamics and spirit of civil society to continue to guard Indonesia's democracy, such as building synergy and solidity of the movement.

"Including the student movement which has started to rise because it is triggered by issues that are contrary to democracy and the constitution. It must continue to be maintained until 2024," he said.

He also emphasized the importance of a free media and supports democracy. This should correlate with civil society movements. "The Constitutional Court and opportunities for legal breakthroughs must also be maintained," he said.

According to Titi, maintaining the activeness of citizens to correct various legislation that is considered not in favor of democracy and to the people is important to maintain Indonesia's democratic resilience.

"Next is to continue pushing for reform of the political system and the post-election system after the 2024 elections," he said.