Vedro Imanuel Girsang, Jakarta – Indonesia's Human Rights Minister, Natalius Pigai, responded to findings from The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), which reported a decline in Indonesia's Democracy Index. He emphasized that the EIU's assessment reflects governance under former President Joko Widodo, not the current administration of President Prabowo Subianto.
"This data measures the decline in democracy in 2024, meaning it pertains to the previous government's leadership," Natalius said during a press conference at the Ministry of Human Rights on Tuesday, March 11.
He explained that the EIU evaluates democracy in Indonesia based on several variables, including the presence of legal regulations that restrict freedom of speech and expression.
"We must acknowledge that certain regulations have hindered democracy," Natalius said. "Since 2015-2016 through 2024, there have been undeniably problematic regulations," he added.
He noted that these regulations were enacted during Jokowi's presidency, citing the National Police Chief's Circular No. SE/6/X/2015, issued on October 8, 2015, regarding the handling of hate speech.
He also pointed to Government Regulation in Lieu of Law (Perppu) No. 2 of 2017 on Mass Organizations as another measure that restricted democratic space, along with the MD3 Law and revisions to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Law, which he argued contradicted democratic principles.
"The arrests of civil society activists since 2015 have also stifled the dynamics of democracy in Indonesia," Natalius remarked.
The former commissioner of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) expressed optimism about democracy under Prabowo's leadership, asserting that Indonesia is now experiencing a "democratic surplus." He cited the absence of political prisoners or criminalized activists in Prabowo's first four months in office as evidence.
"Today, across all media, various groups in society can freely express their opinions, thoughts, and feelings," he said. "No journalists have been arrested, have they?" he added.
A report from the London-based EIU previously revealed that Indonesia scored 6.44 on the 2024 Democracy Index, marking a continued democratic decline. The country fell three places, from 56th to 59th out of 167 nations assessed.
In comparison, Indonesia scored 6.53 in 2023 and 6.71 in 2022, reflecting a consistent downward trend in its democratic standing.