MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Secretary General of Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu’ti expressed concerns about the state of democracy in Indonesia, arguing that it has largely remained procedural rather than substantive. He highlighted the “3C” challenges facing Indonesian democracy: costly, criminal, and cannibalistic. These challenges, he argued, have contributed to a decline in Indonesia’s democracy index.
Mu’ti explained the high costs associated with political campaigns. “Political candidates often allot rice, clothes, and money to ‘buy’ voter support during elections,” said Mu’ti in the international seminar at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) on Tuesday, October 8.
Mu’ti also mentioned that the political landscape in Indonesia is often characterized by unethical and even criminal behavior. Candidates frequently resort to underhanded tactics to win elections, undermining the democratic process.
Moreover, the ‘cannibalistic’ nature of Indonesian politics is seen from the fierce competition among candidates, even within the same party. The proportional open list system has led to unhealthy competition.
To address these challenges, Mu’ti emphasized the need to cultivate a democratic culture. “When democracy becomes a cultural norm, it is imbued with values and a spirit that make it a sustainable system,” said Mu’ti.
These values, according to Mu’ti, include equality, meritocracy, tolerance, and the opportunity for anyone who is competent to lead.
Despite these challenges, Mu’ti remains optimistic about the future of Indonesian democracy. He argued that democracy is the most suitable system for Indonesia, given the country’s diverse population and its commitment to pluralism. Although Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country, it has successfully maintained a peaceful democracy since the reform era.
