The Role of Political Parties in Maintaining Democratic Stability in Indonesia

Bambang Yuniarto ¹, Tiara Adiyanti Kusumawardhani ^2*, Fatkhurezky Nurfadlilah ³, Muhamad Khoirul Latif ⁴

State Islamic Institute of Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, Indonesia^12*34

Email: [email protected]¹, [email protected]², [email protected]³, [email protected]⁴

Keywords

Abstract

Democracy, Political Parties, Stability

The Indonesian state is one of the many countries that use a democratic system. Democracy is a system in which the people hold the highest position in government. This is in accordance with the etymological meaning of democracy, namely demos which means people and cratos which means power. And democracy has a reciprocal relationship that is from the people, by the people and for the people. This proves that democracy puts the people in the highest position. The requirement for democracy is the existence of elections. General elections occur when there are several political parties competing with each other for power and realizing the goals and ideals of the people or their members. In addition to realizing the ideals or goals of the people, political parties also have a very important role, namely conveying the aspirations of the people to the government in power, and political parties are also representatives of the people in overseeing the course of government so as not to deviate from pancasila. This writing uses a qualitative method approach using library research methods or literature studies. Where in the content of our material there are opinions of experts in their fields in the material we get by exploring previous studies related to the role of political parties in maintaining democratic stability in Indonesia. And in this writing, we as writers really hope that our writing can be useful for readers, and we also hope that through our writing readers will be more concerned about the role of political parties in maintaining democratic stability in Indonesia.

ï¿½ 2024 by the authors. Submitted

for possible open access publication

under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY SA) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).

1. Introduction

Democracy is a state system derived from two words, namely demos which means people and cratos which means government. So that democracy has the meaning of people's government (Gunawan, 2018). According to Robert Dahl (2023), democracy is a system of government that makes the people the main holders of every sovereignty in order to carry out the public interest / citizens. This is because the democratic system puts the people as the highest position in the government of a country, because the people directly elect leaders through general elections and the people also supervise the running of the government so as not to deviate from the foundation of their country (Van Reybrouck, 2018).

The Indonesian state is one of the countries that uses a democratic system (Putra & Hadi, 2022). This is marked by the election of leaders who are directly elected by the people. In a democratic system there are political parties. A political party itself is a place formed by the people on the basis of common goals to fight for the interests of the people or their members through general elections.

In a democratic country, political parties have an important role in maintaining the stability of domestic democracy. Because in addition to being a place for citizens who have the same goal, join (Rosenbluth & Shapiro, 2018). Political parties also have a role as a forum for people's aspirations aimed at the government, supervise government performance and provide political education for the people. So, it is important for us as citizens to choose a political party that suits the country's goals, because choosing the right political party can determine the progress of a country (Packenham, 2015).

By using the library research approach method, the purpose of this writing is to explore more deeply the role of political parties in maintaining democratic stability in Indonesia, and it is hoped that readers will know more broadly that our country has many political parties that play a role in maintaining the stability of Indonesian democracy. The focus of our research is the role and function of political parties in Indonesia in maintaining the stability of the country's democracy.

We as authors hope that the research we write can provide benefits to readers. And readers become more concerned about the important role of political parties in a country.

2. Materials and Methods

The methodological approach used in this study is qualitative, with a focus on the library research method. This approach involves collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing information from existing literature, including books, journal articles, and other scholarly sources. The primary sources of data for this study are scientific journals related to the role of political parties in maintaining democratic stability in Indonesia. These sources offer insights into how political parties contribute to governance, political participation, and the overall stability of the democratic system (Aspinall & Sukmajati, 2016); (Buehler, 2013).

Secondary data in this study comes from scientific journals that focus on civic education. Civic education plays a critical role in shaping citizens' understanding of democratic principles, rights, and responsibilities, which in turn influences how political parties function within a democratic framework. By integrating both primary and secondary data, this study provides a comprehensive view of the relationship between political parties and democratic stability, while also considering the role of civic education in supporting this dynamic (Antlï¿½v et al., 2016); (Mietzner, 2015).

Data collection involves reviewing scholarly sources using key databases such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, and ScienceDirect, ensuring the credibility and relevance of the information. The qualitative analysis focuses on identifying themes, patterns, and gaps in the literature to contribute to the understanding of democratic stability in Indonesia (Teng-calleja et al., 2017).

3. Results and Discussions

Understanding democracy and political parties according to experts

Democracy or populist is a form of government system in which all citizens have equal rights to decision making. Etymologically, the term "democracy" means government by the people, with demos meaning people and cratos meaning government. Democracy is defined as a form of government, where the rights to make decisions can be actualized through government procedures.

According to Robert Dahl, democracy is a system of government that makes the people the main holders of every sovereignty in order to carry out the public interest / citizens. Abraham Lincoln also gave his opinion on democracy i.e. government of the people, by the people, and for the people (Rosando, 2014).

Meanwhile, according to Henry B. Mayo, said that Democracy as a political system is a system that shows that general policy is determined on the basis of the majority by representatives effectively by the people in periodic elections based on the principle of political equality and held in an atmosphere of guaranteed freedom in politics.

In a democracy, a decision must be made through an open and transparent process that involves the active participation of citizens in the decision-making (Androniceanu, 2021). And democracy is not only limited to the system of government but also includes lifestyles, daily culture of people who prioritize the values of freedom, equality and justice (Ekardt, 2024).

According to Arblaster, democracy is an institutional rule in order to make a political decision in which each person has the power to decide and fight competitively for the support or vote of the people.

Because democracy is a system of government where the state is run by representatives elected by the people. Thus, democracy cannot be separated from the name of political parties.

A political party is an organization that is national in nature and is formed by a group of citizens in a voluntary way on the basis of common goals and ideals to fight for and defend the political interests of members, society, nation and state.

The definition of political party is also explained in Law Number 31 of 2002 concerning Political Parties article 1 reads as follows: "A political party is a political organization formed by a group of citizens of the Republic of Indonesia voluntarily on the basis of equal will and ideals to fight for the interests of members, society, nation and state through general elections".

Experts also expressed their opinions on the meaning of political parties. According to Miriam Budiardjo, a political party is an organized group of people whose members have the same thoughts, values, goals and ideals. Aims to gain political power and seize positions or maintain political power, usually by using the rule of law in force in the state to exercise their policies. According to R.H. Soltou: A group of more or less organized citizens, who act as a political entity by utilizing voting power, aim to control the government and exercise their common policy.

The role of political parties in the democratic system

A democratic country is not a democracy that only carries out rituals that are only found in elections and leadership elections.ï¿½ In a democracy, political parties are other than as places formed by society on the basis of common goals. In this case, political parties play an important role as one of the pillars of democracy, especially for developing countries. Political parties in democracies have primary goals: winning elections, gaining power, and carrying out public policy once in power. For both purposes, it is very important that an organization obtains governmental power which is the backbone of a unitary government that can carry out political programs. Political Parties in a Democratic Country are very important and very influential because they can carry out the policies that exist in this democratic country.

Henry B. Mayo argued that one of the values of democracy is to provide for the orderly placement of leaders, or an orderly arrangement of power. The number of political parties participating in political competitions certainly has different influences and roles. Both strong and small political parties will have a significant impact on the life of the nation and country. As the main forum for people's aspirations and the representation of various groups in the political process, political parties play an important role in maintaining democracy. They serve as a link between the government and the people, voice the public interest, and facilitate political participation through elections. In addition, political parties are responsible for educating voters on policy issues, shaping public opinion, and supervising and criticizing government performance to prevent degrading power.

Sukarna (2003: 79) states that "In any democratic country it is established that having more of the same political parties is the most important condition, considering that the people also have the right to vote. Without other options, society will find it difficult to express its aspirations. Therefore, different ideas are a condition that always exists. This rule will be applied even if there is no plurality of political parties and only then can Democracy be upheld."

So it can be said that the role of political parties is very important because the government must explain government policies to the whole society, and the government must also be responsive to the demands of the people.

According to Riski (2022), the role of political parties in maintaining democracy in Indonesia is quite important. Political parties, among others, must be able to provide political education so that people not only know the laws and regulations, but also mature in politics. Of course, the political elite must prove it first. Because how can people who know their rights and obligations in the life of the nation and state, if their role models do not set a good example.

The main role of political parties is divided into three, namely:

a. Creating institutional bridges between citizens and governments

b. Formulate and produce policies offered to the electorate and to be implemented by the government of the general election results.

c. A pathway for the regeneration process and selection of politicians to fill public office.

So it is important for us as citizens to choose a political party that suits the country's goals, because choosing the right political party can determine the progress of a country. Political parties also play an important role in implementing democracy, namely in carrying out functions such as participation, participation and ideological development. And a balanced political party will function well, that is, it can realize the common interest (of the people) not the interests of the group and maintain democratic stability.

The function of political parties in maintaining democratic stability

ï¿½Political parties in the democratic government system in Indonesia play an important role, the function of political parties in Article 11 of Law Number 2 of 2008 contains Political Parties, namely providing political education to members and the wider community so that they become Indonesian citizens who know their rights and carry out their obligations in the community, as well as the nation, and state. According to Dwight King, the main functions of political parties fall into three types: Providing institutional bridges between society and government, Formulating and making policies that will be provided to voters and implemented by the government as a result of elections, As a pathway to executive formation and the selection process of politicians who hold public office.

Internal democracy in political parties is necessary for them to function effectively and not pose a threat to the democratic system. The occurrence of problems related to the less than optimal role and function of political parties cannot necessarily be imposed on the responsibility of the political party itself. The origins of the issue of political parties in democracies are of course also based on many aspects.

The role of political parties in safeguarding Indonesian democracy is very important. Political parties must be able to provide political education so that people not only know the law but also become politically mature. Of course, this must first be proven by the political elite. Because if it does not provide a good example, how can a society become a citizen who is aware of its rights and obligations in the life of the state and nation.

In principle, the role of political parties as engines of democracy will be best if supported by various political parties, namely decision makers and the public. It's not perfect in backing big goals with just "one player". The presence of the state is very important to overcome the problem of strengthening the integrity of political parties, not only through changes in democratic arrangements and political education for the public, but also through better regulation of political parties.

According to Gabriel A. Almond The functions of political parties are: 1) Political socialization, is a process in shaping political behavior and adaptation in community members 2) Political participation, is the process of mobilizing citizens to carry out actions and political action is one of the typical functions of political parties. Politics is the activity of ordinary citizens who influence the process of setting and implementing general policies and participating in the decision-making of government leaders; 3) Political recruitment, is the selection and appointment of people to roles in the political system and government; 4) Political communication, is the process of presenting political information originating from the government to community groups and vice versa; 5) Integration of interests is an effort to accommodate and convey all aspirations of the community to obtain common goals.

Political parties serve as a means of conflict resolution. Competition and social differences are normal in a democratic society. Differences and competition in all their forms can lead to conflicts between individuals and groups. When conflicts arise, the task of political parties is to resolve them.

The next function of political parties is as a means of political education for members and the wider community, with the aim that they become citizens who are aware of their rights and obligations in the life of society, nation, and state. Political parties play a role in creating a conducive climate for the unity and unity of the Indonesian nation for the welfare of society, developing awareness of the political rights and obligations of the people. Political parties become a means for the public to influence the process of forming government leaders through elections and making or implementing government policies.

According to Budiardjo (2013: 405-409) political parties carry out several functions, namely: 1. Parties as a means of political communication In a vast and complex modern society, many opinions and aspirations are evolving. 2. As a means of political socialization The process of socialization runs for life, especially in childhood. 3. As a way to control conflict: Political parties should help control conflicts or at least control them so that their negative impact is minimized. In short, political parties serve as organizational and psychological links between the people and their governments. In addition, the party seeks to unite and convey the diverse and growing demands of different groups of society.

Things that are indicators of the success of the democratic system

Democracy is the choice of modern society to organize a common life and the result of centuries of experience of various civilizations in managing the interests and welfare of their people within the framework of the social contract. Then democracy also becomes a system because it is in democracy that the interests of common life are managed. As a system, there are three main elements in a democracy: inputs, processes, and outputs. In the assessment of the democracy index, there are five things that are indicators of democracy, namely the electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, the functioning of government and political participation, and political culture. Elections are considered as the main indicator of a democratic country, because in elections people use their votes, exercise their political rights and make their choices directly and freely.

The thing that is an indicator as a country has succeeded in implementing the first democratic system is accountability where every office holder elected by the people must be able to account for his policies that he wants and has achieved. The second indicator is power rotation. The third indicator is open political recruitment. Fourth, elections. A country is said to be democratic if political recruitment in the context of power rotation is carried out through a regular election. And the last is to enjoy basic rights. In a democratic state, every citizen should be free to enjoy their fundamental rights as stipulated in the Unviersal Declaration.

State activities are also balanced with institutions and institutions that ensure that everything runs well, is transparent, and does not violate the law. Indonesia has also held general elections many times ranging from regional to national levels. The spirit of democracy in Indonesia seems to be very strong and its values are upheld by every individual.

4. Conclusion

Democracy is a system that originated in ancient Greece. Etymologically, democracy is divided into two words, namely "demos" which means people and "cratos" which means power. In terms, democracy is a system that places the people as the highest power holders in government. Democracy involves reciprocal relations "of the people, by the people, and for the people." According to Henry B. Mayo, democracy is a system in which general policy is determined based on the majority of the people in elections held periodically and in an atmosphere of guaranteed political freedom. In a democratic system there are political parties, which are a place for the people to fight for their interests through elections. Article 11 of Law Number 2 of 2008 concerning Political Parties explains the function of political parties, namely providing political education to members and the wider community so that they become citizens who know their rights and carry out their obligations. Political parties play an important role in maintaining democratic stability because in addition to being a place for citizens to join with the same goal, they also become a forum for people's aspirations, supervise government performance, and provide political education. Elections are considered a leading indicator of a democratic state, where people exercise their votes, exercise political rights, and make their choices directly and freely. Political parties are said to succeed in maintaining democratic stability if they prioritize and realize the wishes of the people, not just the interests of certain groups. The relationship between democracy and political parties is very close because political parties play an important role in carrying out functions such as participation, participation in realizing the will of the people, and ideological development. Therefore, political parties should not be misused only to achieve the interests of certain groups, because the decisions taken must put the interests of the people first and determine the success of the country.

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