Indonesia’s Unlikely Alliance: Student Activist Joins Forces with Former Dictator’s Son-in-Law in Presidential Race
In a surprising turn of events, Budiman Sujatmiko, once a fierce student activist opposing the authoritarian rule of Suharto, has now become a spokesperson for Prabowo Subianto, Suharto’s son-in-law and the frontrunner in Indonesia’s presidential race. This unlikely alliance between a former dictator’s relative and a former activist reflects the complex nature of Indonesia’s young democracy.
Budiman, who passionately fought for democracy in the 1990s, now believes that the challenge facing Indonesia is inequality and backwardness. He states, “People change after 25 years, just like I have changed. We have both moved to the middle.” This transformation highlights the evolution of both individuals and the shifting political landscape in Indonesia.
Indonesia, with its vast population and diverse political parties, has been able to maintain stability despite its challenges. The archipelago nation, consisting of 17,000 islands and 700 languages, has experienced steady economic growth but still struggles with widespread poverty. However, the country has defied predictions of collapse and has seen only two directly elected presidents over a 20-year period, both of whom have been moderate and effective leaders.
The current concern among Indonesians is what will happen to their democracy if Prabowo wins the presidential race. Prabowo, who has a dark past marred by human rights violations and accusations of involvement in serious abuses, still faces scrutiny. Families of activists who disappeared during Suharto’s regime hold him responsible and demand answers. Despite Jokowi’s backing and a social media campaign that has transformed Prabowo’s image, many Indonesians remain skeptical of his leadership.
However, political compromises and alliances have become common in Indonesian politics. Jokowi himself, who had no ties to the political elite, relied on co-opting his rivals to govern effectively. This has led to stability but also raised concerns about the erosion of democratic principles. Critics argue that Jokowi’s focus on preserving power for his family and his controversial policies resemble the authoritarian era of Suharto.
Indonesia’s ability to maintain unity and stability amidst its diverse population has been a constant concern. The country faced communal violence, independence movements, and the challenge of holding together a vast archipelago. The approach of forming broad coalitions in government, as Jokowi has done, has been seen as a way to maintain unity but may hinder the development of a strong democracy with credible checks and balances.
As the presidential race unfolds, online campaigns urging voters to support “anyone but Prabowo” have emerged. However, Prabowo’s campaign is determined to win outright in the first round and avoid a runoff. Young Indonesian voters, who make up a significant portion of the electorate, seem more swayed by entertaining messaging rather than inspiring policies. Their lack of memory of the Suharto era and their desire for stability and prosperity may influence their voting decisions.
The future of Indonesian democracy hangs in the balance as voters decide whether to elect Prabowo as their next president. While stability has been a hallmark of Indonesia’s political landscape, concerns about rights, freedoms, and past abuses remain. Indonesians are aware that their democracy could be better but also acknowledge that it could be much worse, as seen in neighboring countries like Myanmar.
In conclusion, the unlikely alliance between Budiman Sujatmiko and Prabowo Subianto reflects the complexities of Indonesia’s young democracy. The country’s ability to navigate political alliances and maintain stability has been remarkable. However, the upcoming presidential race raises questions about the future of Indonesian democracy and the balance between stability and democratic principles.
