Promotion
of democracy
should
still be a foreign policy priority
Dyah Widiastuti ; The writer holds an MSc in International Public
Policy from University College London. She is the author of Does Democracy
Matter in Foreign Policy? : Indonesia’s Foreign Policy Strategy under
Autocracy and Democracy
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JAKARTA
POST, 09 Januari 2015
As the new administration starts working, Indonesia’s
foreign policy practitioners and commentators are discussing whether
Indonesia should continue its active role in the promotion of democracy (and
human rights) in the region and beyond.
Some propose that it should no longer be a priority, as
Indonesia is now focusing on economic diplomacy and other agendas more
tangible in their economic benefits.
Yet the promotion of democracy as part of Indonesia’s
foreign policy agenda has far more potential advantages than costs.
First, democracy has been the game-changer for Indonesia’s
foreign policy for at least the past ten years. International recognition of
Indonesia’s democracy has resulted in the country gaining a positive
reputation.
Our diplomats today need no longer waste most of their
energy defending authoritarianism, or justifying human rights violations back
home. Commitment and consistency in promoting democratic values will
strengthen this recognition and reputation, helping us to keep our international
image on the right track.
Indonesia’s track record on projecting and promoting
democracy abroad is a legacy too precious to be wasted. Based on the belief
that democracy would promote peace and stability in the region and the world,
former foreign ministers Hassan Wirajuda and Marty Natalegawa worked hard to
build a more democratic ASEAN, for the country to be entrusted as a member of
the UN Human Rights Council and be the co-founder and chair of the global
Open Government Partnership and to establish the Bali Democracy Forum as the
premier democracy forum in the Asia Pacific region.
Second, democracy is in line with Indonesia’s aspiration
to pursue a “middle power diplomacy”, as outlined in President’s Joko
“Jokowi” Widodo’s agenda. Experts define “middle power” not only by the size
of a country’s military and economic resources, but also for its “good
international citizenship”, which is associated with the attitude of
democracies: pro-multilateralism and seeking compromise in conflicts.
Third, Indonesia’s assertive stance on democracy is
essential in building “soft power”, which can be utilized to achieve foreign
policy goals. For the past decade, Indonesia has been attractive for being
the world’s third-largest democracy and the home to the largest Muslim
population.
President Jokowi himself is a directly elected civilian
and was hugely supported by pro-democracy elements during the electoral
campaign.
Indonesia’s assertive voice on democratic values will help
win the hearts and minds of the international community, who are
predominantly in favor of democracy.
Fourth, Indonesia’s consistency in democracy will
potentially have a positive impact on economic diplomacy and other
priorities. Shared democratic values have been the basis of many bilateral
strategic partnerships, facilitating better economic relationship. For
instance, this applies to the Indonesia — US Comprehensive Partnership
launched in 2010.
Finally, commitment to democracy in foreign policy could
strengthen domestic democratic consolidation.
Indonesia’s long-term development plan targets a
“consolidated democracy” by 2025. A clear democratic voice when we are abroad
will hopefully encourage domestic actors to work more vigorously to
strengthen democracy at home.
Skeptics may label Indonesia’s assertive voice in
promoting democracy and human rights abroad a mere attempt at image building
by the former administration. But careful observers would note that in the
last 16 years, Indonesia has made real attempts to project democracy in its
foreign policy, and has worked hard to consolidate democracy domestically.
Regardless of imperfect results, the government has even
produced the Indonesia Democracy Index (IDI), issued annually since 2009, to
measure democratic performance at the provincial level.
Sharing lessons, voicing ideas, pursuing cooperation,
setting agendas and proposing candidacies for democracy-and human
rights-related areas in international forums by Indonesian diplomats should
be continued, or even strengthened. ●
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