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IFES - Indonesia

Indonesia

Indonesia spent the last 10 years implementing a program of democratic reform and decentralized governance. Indonesian democracy has developed to become an important regional example of newly emergent democratic institutions, active media and engaged civil society. The country held its first free and democratic parliamentary elections in 1999, and again in 2004, followed by its first direct presidential elections in the same year.

While the 2004 elections were held up as evidence of Indonesia's democratic achievement, Indonesia's election management bodies were subsequently impacted by corruption scandals resulting in a loss of institutional memory and challenges for Indonesia's new National Election Commission (KPU). These challenges are still being addressed as the country approaches its next round of parliamentary and presidential elections in 2009.

Current Projects

A Free, Fair and Credible 2009 Election in Indonesia through Targeted Election Management Assistance

The new Indonesian National Elections Commission (KPU) is faced with a number of pressing challenges, including: adapting procedures to new and amended election legislation, setting up transparent procurement systems, processing new data sets for constructing the voter registry, drafting regulations that strengthen the electoral framework and enfranchise voters, conducting voter education, improving the transmission of election results, and processing election complaints. 

To address these challenges IFES is providing the Commission with professional assistance from experts on election management, electoral law, voter registration, voter education, political finance and election results transmission. IFES also uses survey research and civil society partnerships to assist the Commission to provide direct voter education and accessibility measures to marginalized populations. This work particularly aims to benefit women and persons with disabilities.

Informed Voter Education and Increased Civic Dialogue

IFES provides the KPU with additional tools to refine and direct public information for the 2009 national elections. This includes gathering critical public opinion data to inform the Commission's voter education activities and assisting the Commission with the development of innovative and informative public service announcements.   

IFES is also working with Indonesian university programs and NGOs to hold civic dialogues that aim to increase policy discussion and analysis within the political and electoral process.

Past Projects in Indonesia »