Enabling Environments for Civic Movements and the Dynamics of Democratic Transition - Indonesia

Period of democratic transition: 1998–1999
Pro-democracy civic movement: present

Suharto assumed power in 1968 following a violent repression of opposition parties. Suharto's party, Golkar, presided over a corrupt and authoritarian political system that restricted opposition party and dissident activity. Heavily manipulated elections held every five years ensured Golkar's political dominance.

The political transition in Indonesia began in May 1998 when General Suharto was forced to resign following months of antigovernment protests. In the year prior to the 1998 uprising, Indonesia underwent a financial crisis that contributed to the devaluation of the currency, sent food prices soaring, and caused millions to lose their jobs. Price riots on May 13–15 led to 500 deaths and extensive destruction of property. The Chinese minority, resented for its prosperity, was particularly targeted. The widespread crisis motivated pro-democracy student groups to align with religious and civic organizations in rallying against the regime. The shooting of unarmed students by Suharto's security forces during a demonstration on May 12 provoked large-scale demonstrations, first on campuses and later outside the Parliament building. Suharto stepped down on May 21 after three days of mass demonstrations led by students, professors, and some retired generals. Vice President B. J. Habibie, a longtime Suharto loyalist, became president and quickly announced plans to hold democratic elections within a year. The military played a key role in supporting and facilitating this negotiated settlement. In June 1999, Indonesia held its first free parliamentary elections, in which the opposition party PDI-P (Indonesia Democratic Party – Struggle) won the most public support.

Since the beginning of the transition, competitive elections, civic freedoms, and press freedom have been enhanced.

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