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Political Structure: Independent Republic.
Independence proclamation: August 17, 1945
Constitution 1945 : Embodies five principles of the state philosophy, called Pancasila, namely monotheism, humanitarianism,
national unity, representative democracy by consensus, and social justice.
Branches:
- Executive : President (head of state) chosen for a 5-year term by the 700-member
People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).
- Legislative: 500-member House of Representatives (DPR) elected for a 5-year term.
- Judiciary : Supreme Court.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
Indonesia is a republic based on the 1945 constitution providing for a limited separation of executive, legislative,
and judicial power. The Habibie government has fashioned political reform legislation that -- without changing
the 1945 Indonesian Constitution -- have formally set up new rules for the electoral system, the House of Representatives
(DPR), the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), and political parties. An MPR decree adopted in November 1998
limits the president to two terms in office. Substantial restructuring has occurred since President Soeharto's
resignation.
The president, elected for a 5-year term, is the dominant government and political figure. He is selected. along
with the vice president by the MPR. The president, assisted by a cabinet that he appoints, has the authority to
conduct the administration of the government and is accountable only to the MPR.
A new mixed district/proportional system is expected to result in a more representative House of Representatives
(DPR), which might more effectively counter-balance the powers of the presidency. Under the new political laws
enacted in January 1999, the House of Representatives (DPR) has 500 members, of which 462 are elected and 38 appointed
seats reserved for for the armed forces (TNI). The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), which elects the president
and vice president, has 700 members, consisting of the 500 members of the DPR, 135 provincial representatives selected
by provincial assemblies, and 65 representatives appointed by social and community groups.
Under the Soeharto regime, the ruling "functional group" GOLKAR dominated, and the United Development
Party (PPP), and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) were the only legal opposition parties. In the new political
system there is theoretically no limit on competitive political parties, though they must fulfill organizational
requirements demonstrating a presence in various provinces. Forty-eight parties fulfilled these criteria and participated
in the June polling.
The armed forces shaped and provided leadership for Soeharto's New Order from the time it came to power in the
wake of the abortive 1965 uprising. Military officers, especially from the army, have been key advisers to Soeharto
and Habibie and have considerable influence on policy. Under the dual function concept ("dwifungsi"),
the military asserts a continuing role in socio-political affairs. This concept has been used to justify placement
of officers serve in the civilian bureaucracy at all government levels, although there has been a recent tendency
to somewhat reduce the military's direct involvement in the civilian bureaucracies. Public calls for an end to
the military's dual role have increased since Soeharto's resignation.
Source: U.S. Embassy Jakarta
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