Indonesia is emerging, in some ways, as a model democratic polity for the Islamic world and some of its neighbors. For instance, in the politically troubled Thailand, it is seen by some as showing the way. In a recent op-ed piece in the New York Times, Prof. Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University wrote, "For all the country's troubles, Indonesia's transition to democracy after decades of autocratic rule may offer the best model."
During her recent Indonesia visit, US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, paid fulsome tribute to Indonesia both as a democracy and a moderate society. While in Jakarta, she said, "If you want to know if Islam, democracy, modernity and women's rights can coexist, go to Indonesia."
It might seem a bit overblown but, considering that Indonesia was racked by terrorist violence only a few years ago, its present relative stability is quite amazing - at least to an outside observer. The parliamentary elections in Indonesia would validate some of these claims. In the first place, the elections (with presidential election to follow in July) would suggest that Indonesia's democracy continues to mature.
This is not to say that Indonesia has arrived at some sort of political nirvana. All the usual problems of political horse-trading and corruption are very much there. What is different, though, is that there is a certain diffusion of power within an increasingly de-centralized polity, subject to some level of accountability and scrutiny.
Under Soeharto, it was largely his show with corruption concentrated in the ruling family and their cronies. At times, though, with the stench of corruption still fouling the air, the present order doesn't seem like much of a change. And this is because the media and other public forums are now free to talk about it all. Which is a positive change.
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