Indonesia’s 2029 Test: The Institutions Between Elections

An analysis of Indonesia's political landscape suggests that electoral autocracy is eroding democratic institutions from within. Experts argue that while elections continue, the checks and balances that ensure accountability are being systematically weakened.
Why it matters
Understanding the erosion of democratic institutions is vital for assessing the future of governance and stability in Southeast Asia's largest economy.
Two weeks back I attended a public discussion on Indonesia’s economy and democracy, featuring Marcus Mietzner and Bivitri Susanti. As someone who has spent more than 25 years working across the Australia–Indonesia corridor, I found myself listening less as a political observer and more as someone who has spent a career navigating the practical consequences of institutional change.
The article focuses on the critique of institutional erosion and democratic backsliding, which is a common theme in progressive political analysis.
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