The level of public participation in policymaking and legislative processes in Indonesia remains considerably low.
As a result, once published, many policies or regulations often trigger waves of public protest and even face the risk of annulment.
Therefore, the government is urged to adopt strategic and systematic measures to broaden public engagement.
This concern was raised during a discussion titled “The Long Road to Democracy: Policy Without Virtue”, held at the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM) on Wednesday (Apr. 30).
The discussion was organized by the Social Development and Welfare Student Association (KAPSTRA) of Fisipol UGM and featured several speakers, including Constitutional Law lecturer Dr. Zainal Arifin Mochtar; Spokesperson for the Presidential Communication Office, Dedek Prayudi; and UGM Public Policy and Management lecturer Dr. Media Wahyudi Askar.
Dr. Mochtar emphasized that democratization can only function effectively when the state involves the public in policymaking and legislative drafting.
According to him, public participation is the key element differentiating a democratic system from other forms of governance.
He argued that policies developed with public support tend to have a longer lifespan and greater sustainability.
“Policies or laws that involve the public typically last longer and are less likely to be replaced. But this has not been practiced here,” said Dr. Mochtar.
He added that democratic practices within the Constitutional Court and legislative processes have also fallen short of expectations.
Dr. Mochtar further criticized the government’s reactive approach, often likened to ‘firefighting’, particularly in the case of several recent controversial policies.
He explained that the pattern begins with policy formulation without public input, followed by backlash upon publication, and only then do authorities consider withdrawal.
“There has been no proper communication from the government to the public during policy formulation or in explaining the rationale based on public needs. We need strategic and systematic efforts from the government to expand public participation,” Dr. Mochtar said.
Presidential Communication Office Spokesperson Dedek Prayudi countered that the government has opened space for public participation in policymaking processes.
He cited the 12% tax hike, which immediately drew public protest.
“At the time, I received complaints from the public; I recorded and conveyed them. Then we revised the scheme so that the VAT hike was not implemented,” he explained.
The adjustment, he argued, demonstrates the government’s responsiveness to public aspirations.
He also shared examples of other policies shaped by societal conditions.
One such initiative is the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, which President Prabowo launched in response to the high rates of stunting and malnutrition among Indonesian children.
While the root causes are complex, one key factor is the inability of many families to meet their children’s nutritional needs.
“That’s why the MBG program was developed. I believe the democratic practices adopted by the government go beyond mere procedures,” he stated.
Dr. Askar observed that President Prabowo Subianto’s and Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s administrations have introduced a distinctive approach to policymaking.
Ideally, the policymaking process should begin with planning, public consideration, and implementation.
However, he noted that this sequence has been altered.
“The cycle has changed. President Prabowo and his team have introduced a new cycle. It starts with instruction, immediately jumps to implementation, and then waits for public reaction,” he explained.
Commenting on the government’s recent budget efficiency measures, Dr. Askar questioned their underlying purpose.
Although the government has stated that the funds would support the MBG program and be partially channeled to the Danantara initiative, Dr. Askar doubted whether the public was adequately involved in decisions with such significant impact.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya