Freedoms down, government efficiency up in reform era: Survey

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Tue, 05/06/2008 12:35 AM

A survey conducted to commemorate a decade of Indonesia's reform movement has concluded an overall decline in the freedom of religion and speech but an increase in governance performance.

The survey, released Monday by democracy and human rights research center Demos, was conducted in 2007 among 900 social, political and democracy activists throughout the nation.

Besides freedom of religion, belief, language, culture and speech, assembly and organization, most freedoms have been curtailed, the survey said.

It said other aspects of democracy were also constrained, such as the freedom of the press, freedom to establish trade unions, freedom to form parties, citizens' participation in independent civil associations, public access to information and participation in public life.

Improvements were seen in the rights to basic education, the rights of children, the freedom from physical violence, government support of international law and human rights, employment rights and basic needs, equality before the law and the subordination of the government and public officials to the rule of law.

Other high points included the transparency and accountability of the elected government, the government's independence from strong interest groups, good corporate governance, independence from money politics and the government's increased capability to combat paramilitary and criminal activities.

Demos deputy director Willy P. Samadhi said Indonesians in general had lost some rights but their government had improved.

He said he was concerned, though, the current situation might lead Indonesia back into the oppression experienced under Soeharto's authoritarian New Order regime.

"The government has indeed improved its quality in terms of efforts to eradicate corruption and to enhance education facilities.

"However, the limitations on the freedom of speech, assembly and organization have set a bad precedent for the country's future," he said.

Willy said that since Demos' first survey in 2004, Indonesia's democracy had shifted toward oligarchy, with only the powerful having the right to govern.

"The chance to run for election is open only to those who have links to power or money. That means Indonesia still faces a monopoly in terms of representing the citizenry," he said. (nkn)