Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI), held the second session of the Diskusi Terpumpun Seri 2 on Wednesday, May 14.
Titled “Diverse Deliberative Traditions of the Archipelago: Foundations for Reconstructing the Meaning and Practice of Modern Indonesian Democracy?”, the event explored local traditions as a foundation for modern democratic practices.
The event, held at the UGM Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB UGM), was part of an ongoing series aimed at reexamining Indonesian democracy through the lens of local cultural practices.
Attended by academics, researchers, practitioners, and democracy observers from a range of institutions, the hybrid and open format of the discussion reflected the participatory spirit embedded in its theme.
Diverse regional and disciplinary perspectives contributed to a dynamic and inclusive forum that enabled in-depth synthesis of ideas.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia emphasized in her opening remarks the importance of viewing Indonesian democracy not merely as an imported model but as a system that must evolve from the country’s own cultural roots.
She underscored the need for such forums to deepen understanding of local deliberative traditions that are often overlooked in mainstream discourse.
“A grounded democracy is far better equipped to address the complex and dynamic challenges of our nation,” she stated.
“We need to revisit the values of musyawarah (deliberation) that have long been embedded in the fabric of Indonesian society. These values set our democracy apart from procedural models that often lack substance.”
The discussion was moderated by Professor Wening Udasmoro, who invited participants to reflect on musyawarah not just as a decision-making mechanism, but as a worldview rooted in social and cultural life.
She highlighted how local deliberative processes are not only culturally relevant but also offer viable alternatives for addressing today’s democratic challenges.
“Musyawarah is not just about reaching consensus; it is also about building social trust. This is a democratic value that is deeply contextual to Indonesian society,” she noted in her introduction.
The first speaker, Professor Pujo Semedi from UGM, examined deliberation in Javanese society. He pointed out how hierarchical social structures, including the influence of nobility, can present both challenges and opportunities for inclusive decision-making.
Community elders often play central roles in deliberation, and depending on how power relations are managed, this can either support or hinder democratic ideals.
“In Javanese contexts, deliberation often unfolds within power-laden relationships. The key is to understand how these practices can be reconstructed to become more inclusive,” he explained.
Next, Professor Sarkawi from Universitas Airlangga presented the tudang sipulung tradition from the Bugis culture, a form of communal deliberation where all members of society, including those outside elite circles, have a voice.
He emphasized how tudang sipulung embodies the spirit of participatory democracy, while also warning that modern dynamics, such as local political interests, may risk turning such traditions into symbolic gestures.
“There needs to be a reinterpretation of local values so they remain relevant in an inclusive democratic framework. In some cases, customary norms have even served to protect principles of social justice,” Professor Sarkawi said.
“Tudang sipulung is not merely a discussion forum. It is a mechanism for collective decision-making rooted in equality, openness, and respect for community voices.”
Professor Hermien Soeselisa of Universitas Pattimura discussed the pela gandong and panas pela traditions in Maluku, which are deliberative practices grounded in inter-village kinship and aimed at conflict resolution and social cohesion.
She emphasized that maintaining these values is crucial for strengthening grassroots democracy.
“In Maluku, deliberation is inseparable from kinship relations. Values like mutual respect, equality, and consensus have existed long before modern democracy arrived,” she noted.
These practices, she added, are not merely symbolic. They are lived experiences embedded in daily life.
The final speaker, journalist and writer Hasril Chaniago, explored the deliberative traditions in Minangkabau society, which are deeply tied to matrilineal kinship and nagari (village) governance.
He emphasized the importance of bridging traditional values with contemporary contexts to preserve participatory elements.
“Deliberation in Minangkabau is inseparable from the roles of ninik mamak and penghulu (customary leaders), who act as both guardians of values and central figures in collective decision-making,” he explained.
“But the challenge today is to keep these practices relevant in an increasingly complex society.”
He also highlighted how matrilineal systems offer unique openings for women’s participation in democratic dialogue.
The second session of the discussion generated critical insights into how Indonesia’s diverse deliberative cultures can serve as a foundation for a more grounded and contextualized democratic system.
These local traditions offer valuable lessons in inclusive governance, value-based decision-making, and responsiveness to social realities.
The ideas presented during the discussion will be compiled into an academic manuscript that serves not only as an evidence-based policy recommendation but also as a tool for public advocacy and a reference for shaping a more contextual and sustainable democratic model.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian