Perseus on Francis Fukuyama and whether Islamism will derail Indonesia’s new democracy.
In a recent article, writing in reaction to Russia’s recent “clobbering” of Georgia, the noted American political theorist Francis Fukuyama, best known for his work The End of History, tells us smh that
US dominance is slipping.
and the
Russian and Chinese model of authoritarianism and modernisation offers a clear challenge to liberal democracy.
Even so Fukuyama assures us that liberal democracy will still prevail because “democracy and capitalism have no real competitors.” Says Fukuyama:
“Democracy’s only competitor in the realm of ideas is radical Islamism but the appeal of this kind of medieval Islamism is limited.
Despite recent authoritarian advances:
liberal democracy remains the strongest, most broadly appealing idea out there.
and even autocrats pay lip service to democratic rituals and grovel before capitalism.
Yet he concludes that autocratic regimes like Russia and China have nothing to offer beyond nationalism. They lack the brawn, cohesion and ideas required to dominate the global system and they don’t dream of overthrowing the globalized economy.
It seems to me that Fukuyama is broadly correct. Liberal democracy for all its imperfections remains the most attractive show in town. But will Indonesia persist with its nascent democracy or will it take the path of sharia, dismantle Pancasila and embark on a more Islamist path? And what effect would this have on Indonesia’s economic development and political stability?
We hear so little non-US commentary on this issue. I would be interested to hear whether Fukuyama believes that the US still constitutes a “liberal democracy”, given it doesn’t seem to stack up against Larry Diamond’s eleven point conceptualisation. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_democracy
And how long does he think it will take for liberal democracy to prevail over Chinese “authoritarianism”? Another 50 years?
Indonesia is lurching dangerously closer to an Islamic republic everyday. Only in the short time I was there I noticed the rise in numbers of women wearing jilbabs and just look at the blind eye shown to terrorist groups and hardliners i.e. FPI. If the government was serious about solving this problem the hardliners would be rounded up at demos and locked away for an extended period of time feasting on rats and cockroaches in a filthy cell. But deep deep down they are the brothers of all good muslims and they can’t see the damage they are doing to their country.
Not too long ago Jusuf Kalla denied the existence of Jemaah Islamiyah while he was calling for the banning of Ahmadiyah. If Islam was so true and right why can’t they trust the people’s judgement not to let Ahmadiyah grow while letting those who chose it do as they wish. It is the true sign of a maturing democracy of which Indonesia is not even close to being.
i give up, i think indonesia is a lost cause. it’s in the hands of stupid radical fanatics and terrorists. logic, rational and common sense will no longer work, it is only a matter of time until it turns 100% into slave of the saudis.
Democracy is not Asian culture- it is also a means for Imperialists to install who they feel most congenial to their corporate johns.
The most affluent nations in our region are all authoritarian- Singapore, China, formerly Malaysia. Soon wealth will return to Thailand a military Kingdom- already we see a trickle returning.
Japan is often commented to be a one-party system.
As the rare democracy- Australia has very few qualities to positively compare with authoritarian Singapore.
Singapore, according to UN data (thanks Andy) has a better infant mortality rate, longer life span, happier people, higher per capita income, higher GDP, superior health care and educations system.
And their women are slim, feminine and leggy- not churlish, obese butch aquatic warthogs like most white women.
Andy is completely wrong as he is fundamentally misinformed, electively ignorant or has an agenda of bad-mouthing Indonesia.
Ahmadiyah is a Pakistani sect- it is as foreign and dangerous as Branch Davidian and the Jones’ town ilk. But as the common Australian hypocrite- he sees no harm in Howard’s Astralian omni-wisdom to ban Christian and benign Benny Hinn from entering his beloved pleasantville- Ostraya. Howard and Labour both knew all too well- fools and their money are easily parted- Hinn would have made a killing.
According to Indonesian Constitution- the rights of the State supercede that of the indivdual.
Individualism is not acceptable when its’ irresponsible usage impinges on the rights of others or the benefit of the society. That is called social responsibility- something the West lost circa 1970’s when it embraced bed-wetting.
If the UN Human Rights Charter is read fully- it clearly states a State MAY elect to enforce or remove any individual rights at its’ prerogative or for the GREATER GOOD.
The West is partially to blame. It and Soros collapsed our economy and the West DEMANDED and COERCED the removal of Pak Suharto- allowing millions of Wahabbi dollars to flow in during the vacuum of State near bankruptcy being nable to provide State education for he poor.
Then Australia opportunely distabilises the State for a gas grab- dping neat pirouettes on long-standing foreign polic- and blatant funding oof OPM for BHP Billiton to get now ultra-lucrative copper (and hottest trading metal).
As usual- it stood hands on hips pointing limp-wrostedly and bubbering cheaply about rights- never once putting money where flapping mouth was- until, as we had long warned- bombings occurred.
Somehow it was all Indonesia’s fault. The West is very quick at pulling up trousers when caught around thei ankles- years of brothel training one imagines. This is why Indonesia will never again trust the West- we still haven’t yet pulled out all the knives of 1964-5 from our back.
The West was shown again to be hypocritical and popualted largely by smug spineless bed-wetters, bleeding hearts brigade ignorami and moral onanists.
The West’s ignorant criticism of Nasution’s (not Pak Suharto’s) Dwi Fungsi of miltary bloc in the upper and lower house was to make certain no Islamic party would ever prevail.
Now it sees we knew best, after all.
If the West finally shuts its’ flapping it’s vast cake-hole and returns to a hobby it excels in- gormandiing itself to death- and leaves us to run our own affairs without their idiotic meddling- stability and prosperity will return to Indonesia.
Mother Goose just has to let Father-knows-best Goose run his pond and quit her hysteric honking.
Purba-Then Australia opportunely distabilises the State for a gas grab- dping neat pirouettes on long-standing foreign polic- and blatant funding oof OPM for BHP Billiton to get now ultra-lucrative copper (and hottest trading metal).
Where are you talking about, Timor Leste? You complete imbecile! If not for the support of Australia you wouldn’t have got it in the first place. It never was yours or the Dutch but in your complete arrogance and hypocrisy blamed the dutch for colonialism then tried to do the same thing to your own region.
The one time in my life I felt truly ashamed of my government (not country, most of us knew better) was in allowing the regional war criminal suharto to take over the peaceful island of Timor.
Oh and Purba you still think the rest of your precious country can’t follow? You recently said Papuans were confused. I have a good friend who spent 4 years in a suharto prison for being’confused’ I don’t think so.
If you truly believe in the nonsense you write you are no better than a war criminal yourself.
One thing you didn’t mention Purba, authoritarian Singapore never tried to take over anyone elses country the way yours has. They are smart enough not to bite off more than they can chew. They are friends with pretty much everyone in the region except Indonesia which still hasn’t signed off on the extradition treaty. You even argued with them over a bit of sand last year. oh you poor poor boys let me take a tissue.
Indonesia is the major pariah state in the region. Even smaller islands close to Malaysia and the Philippines have been in your sights. And of course your fishermen, illegal immigrants and wishful citizens are always trying to get onto our soil and seas without the proper paperwork. Shame, shame, shame.
Funny how Indonesia always tries to stick it’s bib into eveyone’s affairs and tell countries like mine what to do (while taking our money with the other hand). Well stop telling countries like Israel what to do!!!!They are in the middle east not you!!Do not ever tell anyone there what to do pal..It is not and I repeat not your region to tell them ok.
Tell your leaders to practice what you preach Andy.
Is it Rabbi Yakob Andy Rubengoldsteinburg or something?
Israel is the world’s Pariah (why do Aussies love that word?)- a nation of thieves, Shylocks and Fagins.
Right of Return?
Most UN agreements against?
Even Russia with large Jewish popultion does not support?
Singapore has tried to take islands- it routinely and in contravention of many International Laws of the High Seas and International Laws steals sand from off Riau for reclamation.
Singapore has reclaimed 17% of total land mass via sand reclamation- with no compensation to Indonesia for loss of land, loss of fishing or environmental destruction.This is now in litigation.
Last time Singapore tried, we filled their surveying ship with over large calibre 100 rounds to show Indonesians aren’t Aussies- we are action not talk.
But, the last time Singapore tried that nonsense.
Indonesia regularly chases and sinks illegal Chinese fishing vessels- assisting our poorly and friendly neighbour New Guinea.
Malaysia has stolen two islands- near Batam- it landed two patrol boats and expelled Indonesian living on these . Indonesians went to the International Court but lost on very marginal and contentious ruling.
So now we will use the method moron understand best- brute force, and not the limp-wrister’s beloved, yet corrupt “Laws”.
Indonesia is also currently mediating the four way Spratly Island dispute- hardly a task for a regional pariah?
Illegal immigrants are not Indonesian- but Chinese, Afghanis etc trafficked via Indonesia.
Indonesia follwos international law tothe letter and can not thus arrest people for simply travelling to a final destination. Australian Federal Police are being very constructive in fixing this Australian problem with the help of Indonesian police (it is a very low priority for us in the scheme of things).
Philippines- Indonesia fully supports their claim to North Kalimantan better knowns as British bitch “Sarawak”.
We have been very warm neighbours since Indonesian Independence without incident.
You may be confusing Indonesia with China- HCina is contesting Phillippoine soveriegnty to Spratlys and other islands.
According 1949 Dutch signed agreement- ALL OF DUTCH EAST INDIES TERRiTORY was to be ceded to Iddoensia, then again in 1962 New York Agreement DUCTH AGREED TO CEDE IRIAN JAYA
Mince about as much as you like Andy- but the Dutch renegged on their 1949 Agreement- and the text the Ducth- including QWueen Wilhelmina signed is widely available.
Try reading a book or newspaper Andy- one that you didn’t type yourself.
Purba-Try reading a book or newspaper Andy- one that you didn’t type yourself.
Is this some sort of joke, I mean coming from you.
Israel is the only TRUE democracy in the middle east and one which gives it’s citizens the right to vote. That includes Arabs. I can remember the bedwetting and moralising of the Indonesians when Hezbollah attacked Israel and then were quite rightly attacked back. Oh the poor innocent Lebanese they cried. Well Purba, who started it?
Purba-According 1949 Dutch signed agreement- ALL OF DUTCH EAST INDIES TERRiTORY was to be ceded to Iddoensia, then again in 1962 New York Agreement DUCTH AGREED TO CEDE IRIAN JAYA
Didn’t include Timor Leste did it. That belonged to the Portugese. Or can’t Indonesians read maps. Wouldn’t surprise as i’ve never met one who can yet.
Andy: Or can’t Indonesians read maps. Wouldn’t surprise as i’ve never met one who can yet.
Andy can’t read maps either; that’s why he couldn’t notice if someone else can 😛
Sorry … can’t help it 😛
Purba-Indonesia regularly chases and sinks illegal Chinese fishing vessels- assisting our poorly and friendly neighbour New Guinea.
I meant your own criminal fishermen. Our northern jails are filled with such lowlifes and leeches. If you really expect countries to respect you no matter how many human rights abuses you rack up how about cleaning up your own backyard and getting your people back over your side of the border. I really don’t want my hard earned money spent feeding, housing and clothing your people in our prison system which must be like a holiday camp compared to where they come from.
PNG is a good friendly neighbour. Yes true but surprising really when their brethren to the west are routinely abused and tortured for simply wanting to be themselves. The transmigration program bringing with it javanese whores is designed to spread AIDS throughout and kill off the indigenous people.
Indonesia had as much right to take over East Timor upon the collapse of the Portuguese empire as India had to take over Goa or China had to take over Macau.
If it was ok for the Indians and Chinese I can’t see why it suddenly became so immoral when Indonesia did it.
East Timor was and is a basket case, that it is so is something the Timorese need to examine among themselves, the long departed Indonesians aren’t to blame.
Oh really? Indonesians still blame the dutch and bules generally after 63 years. Indonesia left Timor a complete mess only a few years ago and tried hard to do this after losing face to the rest of the world. What a pity they couldn’t support the umpires (and people’s decision) and leave when they lost the referendum. Instead their hired goons (militias)had to stay and punish anyone they could get their hands on.
They will be a mess for a while, Rome wasn’t built in a day but will recover and maybe become a tourist destination as there are many beautiful beaches.
PNG is a good friendly neighbour. Yes true but surprising really when their brethren to the west are routinely abused and tortured for simply wanting to be themselves. The transmigration program bringing with it javanese whores is designed to spread AIDS throughout and kill off the indigenous people.
Number of papuanes routinely abused and turtuted by ABRI (TNI) were only nano size compared with monumental mass murdered, raped and genocide commited by the whiteman upon natives australia
while the transmigration program is refining method of the whiteman to displace and eliminate the native aboriginal from their own land but we done it in more humanity approach because un-like the whiteman who brought gun and infected blanket to wipe-out the aboriginal instead of Javanese farmer brouhgt only cangkul to teach how to do a good farming to papuanese.
Purba-Israel pre-emptively attacked Lebanon in 1981.
Lebanon did not bomb Israeli apartment blocks
I meant 2006 not 1981. Israel acted in self defence as they have done in all wars, particularly the 1967 war with Egypt. They are a brave country which is forced to live next to hostile islamic neighbours who deny their right to exist.
Cukurungan-you are a complete imbecile. You had to dig deeply into your history books to find this one didn’t you. 1800s, which year exactly? I’m talking about the here and now. We righted our wrongs and let’s not pretend here, ALL countries have some blood on their hands at some point in their history.
But right now in 2008 you guys are torturing innocent Papuans while our aborigines enjoy welfare payments that would be the envy of your poor citizens from backwardsville.
Purba…..have been reading your posts for a while now, and am very impressed by them. Your knowledge, and use of sarcasm, and dry humour has exposed you……….YOU ARE A BRIT …..there is nothing remotely Indonesian about you…
i give up, i think indonesia is a lost cause. it’s in the hands of stupid radical fanatics and terrorists. logic, rational and common sense will no longer work, it is only a matter of time until it turns 100% into slave of the saudis.
Yes, that is a sad and true possibility. I wish I were the President of Indonesia. But one thing is for sure: Nikes, iPods, the internet, gambling, and pornography just might save Indonesian from becoming a sharia state. Money trumps religion any day.
Frankly, I don’t really see “radical fanatics and terrorists” running Indonesia. It does not seem to be in the tradition or history of Indonesia for this to follow.
What Indonesia needs, and I will argue this to the bitter end, is a secular, radical, nationalist. And Indonesia needs this person very soon.
Agree ultratupai, secular is fantastic-no constitution should ever make any reference towards god or religion. It is poison and will always lead to fanaticism. Radical-all countries at some point need change and someone brave enough to change things regardless of how unpopular they are. Dropping petrol subsidies is a good example of a positive but unpopular decision Indonesia has taken in the last few years. Nationalism though I disagree with. Global beats national everyday simply because it is the way the world is heading. Blind nationalism leads to ignorance and racism and makes countries look inwards not outwards.
Andy,
Your Australian Constitution clearly names God, Howard popularly called Australia a Christian Nation, as does MAgna Carta as does the US Constitution- “In God we Trust”?
Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution clearly defines Indonesia as a Nationalist Secular Democracy.
It is not a matter of debate nor change.
You will have a very tough time finding a Constitution without religious reference anywhere on the globe
Gloablism as the moron understands it is a “global village that gives him his much-desired all over fuzzy-feelings of cross-race hand-holding and kumbaya singing.
The reality is it is Imperialism with a pretty name- allowing multi-nationals easier cross-border monopolisation and access to new resources.
For an English teacher, not only is your written language dreadful- but you are incredibly ignorant.
Why do you care more about wasting money on Illegal Fishermen than Australia’s generational welfare layabouts, multi-dad women popping out children and other such deep-ingrained social ills caused by Western hand-wringing.
In Indonesia-we do not burden the state with our own parental responsibility of educating or minding our child or employment.
Perhaps if you Australians trim the apron strings you may have more money?
Actually, Indonesia’s constitution clearly states that this is an Islamic Country.
Read the preambule/pembukaan.. clearly stated that Indonesia came in to being due to Allah’s grace. Not “Tuhan”, a more neutral word.
The choice of word “rahmat” also points to the fact that Islamic “Allah” was meant. Christian does not use that word with their God’s name.
Yes- very true “Allah” is used. But it is interchanged with Ketuhanan in the preamble.
Article nine uses Allah.
Tuhan is not neutral at all – it is a Christian word- only used by Christians- but more acceptable to Hindus.
However Allah is also used by Christian and exist in their bible- but pronounced as “Ala” not “Ollorh (like Arabic)”.
The wording of Pancasila, article one
Ketuhanan yang Maha Esa
A Solely Supreme God: the commonb English transliteration is wrong
The Pancasila was not Sukharto’s creation but the Panitia Sembilan”: Sukarno, Hatta, Yamin, Maramis, Subardjo, Ki Hadikusumo. Wachid Hasyim, Agus Salim and Abikusno
Buddhists are catered for via their Sang Hyang Adi Buddha- a one supreme God
Hindu are catered for in the Tri Mukti- Ram, Shiwa ,Dewa
It was for this very reason it was chosen- no other. We could not use Gott- this was Dutch relic and reminiscent of Protestant colaboration.
Pity Indonesian does not have another word (without values or connotation) for “God”- maybe we should make a new universal one up.
We also do not have the term “almighty”. It was a very heated and very tough compromise- but Sukarno succeeded.
This was compromise by Sukarno so Daurl Islamiyah would not create civil war by their suspicion of Sukarno as an atheist Socialist. It is not Islamo-centric as often mistakenly interpreted by Western scholar- merely a politically necessary compromise.
Sukarno as well as Hatta were often source of debate about their Islamic identity- many close to Sukarno claim he was actually atheist (as much as Indonesian interpretation of atheism). Some claim he was scereet Hindu- he truth we shall never know- if controversial it is politically dangerous to mBak Megawati who has massive Javanese Muslim support among the poor (and of course Balinese).
However in the following paragraph- all five state religions are clearly defined with ample room for “abangan” traditional custom.
This was furtehr stressed via Pancasila.
Pak Suharto at one time was very much expected to announce Kejawen as an official religion.
It wouldf be very interesting to see how this would have effected Indonesia.
Preamble:
4th line
With the blessings of God Almighty and impelled by the noble idea of a free national life, the Indonesian people do hereby declare their independence.
Chapter XI. Religion
Article 29
1. The State shall be based upon the belief in the One and Only God.
2. The State guarantees all persons the freedom of worship, each according to his/her own religion or belief.
I only tell it as it is- the interpretation is for smarter people than myself.
I know nothing about Dutch aside from it being a shoddy bastardisation of the far more noble German and French and is as offensive to hear spoken as Hebrew.
Such an ugly language.
Furthermore- the five pointed gold star of the Indonesian coat of arms represents God- the 5 points represent each aspect of His worship.
It is not me but Buddhists themselves who claim their “Sang Hyang Adi Buddha”- perhaps it is solely a Javanese interpretation of the Dharma- like most things Javanese- we mix things up hopelessly and confuse everyone else.
Well- Buddhists are for the most part harmless here- and they keep Borobudhur nice and clean, and smells nice for tourists.
As long as they are officially recognised and protected is the essential part, the fundamental rationale of Panca Sila is perpetual and total denial of power to the Islamics and fellow lunatics-traitors.
The Committee of Nine were genius.
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democracy will prevail in Idnonesia.
But according to our Constitution- Demokrasi tetapi bukan LIBERALISME.
We Indonesians abhor the nonsense gay-marriage pro-sexual deviancy Liberalism and Human Rights bleeding hearts brigade like the bubonic plague they are. Never will Western bed-wetting type Leftist democracy or Imperialist Corporatist democracy ever win.
And neither Islam- Frankly, the Nationalists have far too much money and massive military clout to allow loud idiot from Pesantren to ruin them.
The West forgets for 32 years this was a Nationalist military nation. They have not simply faded away.