Political debate over the issue is ridiculous."Bengkulu (ANTARA News) - A researcher at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Prof Ikrar Nusabhakti, said democracy has been consolidated well in Indonesia but steps must be taken to enhance its quality.
"Democracy in Indonesia has been consolidated well and it has been proven by various political upheavals that have caused no movement, aimed at toppling the government," he said on Friday.
He made the statement in a dialogue session on "2014 General Elections and Consolidation of Democracy in Indonesia," held by LIPI at the Bengkulu provincial administration`s hall.
He said consolidation has proven to be solid following the 1998 Reform Movement that many feared would lead to the collapse of the country but it did not happen.
"There was no coup by the military, like in Egypt, and no region has been separated from the Unitary State of Indonesia. These are all concrete proofs," he added.
He said in the last 15 years, after reform, no military or civilian powers could topple the legitimate government.
Ikrar, however, said the quality of democracy in the country has yet to be improved, especially due to lingering ethnic approach parameters for political interests portrayed by statements such as "the Javanese blood that runs in Habibie is still thicker than that of Megawati`s."
"Political debate over the issue is ridiculous," he said.
He added that improving political smartness is the task of all people, especially political parties, as elements responsible for political education.
Another LIPI researcher, Syamsyudin Haris, meanwhile, said political parties had not yet carried out their functions well as shown in the recruitment of their legislative candidates, especially female candidates, adding that most parties have panicked while meeting their quota, especially women`s quota, let alone providing education; even they have failed in forming cadres.
(Reporting by Helti Marini Sipayung/H-YH/INE/KR-BSR/S012)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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