The Struggle for Democracy in Indonesia: An Actor–Structure Approach

Abstract

Processes of democratization and the struggle for democracy are best studied from an actor‐structure perspective. In this article the struggle for democracy in contemporary Indonesia is seen as attempts by pro‐democracy actors to change authoritarian structures. Actors and structures preventing and favouring democracy are discussed. During the past few years the Indonesian pro‐democracy movement has grown significantly, but it is quite heterogeneous. Various pro‐democracy actors tend to concentrate their struggle on different authoritarian structures. Structures of ideas as well as behavioural structures supporting authoritarianism are strong, but on balance the prospects for at least a limited form of democracy are quite good.