Democratic Transition in Indonesia

This book critically examines the trajectory of democratic deterioration under the Jokowi administration, evaluating the profound implications of this decline, and identifying latent opportunities for democratic recovery following the leadership transition to the current administration of President Prabowo Subianto.

Highlighting the multifaceted complexities inherent in Indonesia's democratic degradation, this essential volume exposes how recent leadership has accelerated this regression, unleashing complex social, political, and ecological crises. Chapters use specific case studies to demonstrate how democratic erosion adversely impacts broader societal spheres, collectively demonstrating the intrinsic correlation between democratic decline and the deterioration of governance across economic, political, and environmental domains. By exploring vital structural dynamics – including the grip of oligarchies, civil society resistance, pork-barrel politics, local governance, and rising environmental authoritarianism – the book reveals how the Prabowo government’s responses will shape the future of Indonesian freedom. The book ultimately contributes a contemporary framework for understanding whether this pivotal nation will slip further into autocracy or spark a historic democratic rebound.

Tailored for scholars and postgraduate students working Southeast Asian politics, democracy studies, and political leaders more specifically, this timely text is indispensable for anyone seeking to understand the current developments and future survival of democracy in Southeast Asia’s largest economy.