Politics in Contemporary Indonesia: Institutional Change, Policy Challenges and Democratic Decline

Ken M.P. Setiawan and Dirk Tomsa's book "Politics in Contemporary Indonesia" examines the dominant political ideas, institutions, interests, and issues that shape Indonesian politics today. It argues that the most serious threats to Indonesian democracy come from the fading appeal of democracy as a compelling narrative, the increasingly brazen capture of democratic institutions by predatory interests, and the narrowing public space for those who seek to defend the values of democracy. The book answers key questions about the dominant political narratives, the evolution of Indonesia's institutional framework, the impact of competing political interests on Indonesian democracy, and Indonesia's prospects for dealing with policy challenges. It is a valuable resource for students and scholars of Indonesian politics, Asian Studies, Comparative Politics, and International Relations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the realm of Politics in Contemporary Indonesia,Ken M.P. Setiawan and Dirk Tomsa undertake a comprehensive analysis of the most influential political ideas, institutions, interests, and issues that shape Indonesian politics today. With the overarching question of whether Indonesia truly deserves its renowned label as a "model Muslim democracy," the book delves into the critical challenges facing the nation's democratic system. It argues that the most significant threats to Indonesian democracy arise from the diminishing appeal of democracy as a compelling narrative, the escalating encroachment of predatory interests into democratic institutions, and the shrinking public space available for individuals who advocate for the values of democracy. By addressing these key questions, the book provides valuable insights into the dominant political narratives that underpin Indonesian politics, the evolution of Indonesia's institutional framework since the onset of democratization in 1998, the dynamics between competing political interests and their impact on Indonesian democracy, the consequences of declining democracy on Indonesia's ability to address its key policy challenges, and its comparative standing among other Muslim-majority states and its regional neighbors. Written in an accessible and engaging style, this book appeals to both students and scholars of Indonesian politics, Asian Studies, Comparative Politics, and International Relations, offering a timely and comprehensive examination of the complex dynamics shaping contemporary Indonesian politics.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138626065