Demokrasi di atas kemajuan dan kemunduran demokratisasi di Indonesia = Building-Democracy on the sand :advances and setbacks in Indonesia - Samadhi, Willy Purna; Warouw, Nicolaas (Indonesia PCD Press, 2009)
This book is based on a survey that shows that Indonesian democracy, in addition to showing progress, also shows some setbacks. It is true that the people are free to use their voting rights in the election, but women (most of whom do not have good networks), the poor and marginalized groups are defactively prevented from advancing as candidates and sometimes even to vote. Efforts to develop popular representation are hampered. Fundamental issues such as equality of civil and political rights, and the fulfillment of social, economic and cultural rights also face similar challenges. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a democratic political block that is well-organized and not dominated or influenced by the party. This effort needs to be done to increase the influence of the independent community (demos) into organized political activities; to change existing power relations through more popular representation and participation; to increase the bargaining position that leads to better compromises for sustainable development based on human rights principles.
Keywords: Political participation -- Indonesia