As a Filipino observer witnessing the Indonesian elections, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons between the election systems of our two countries. Despite the differences in our histories, cultures, and political landscapes, there were valuable lessons to be learned from the Indonesians’ approach to democracy—lessons that could help improve the electoral process in the Philippines.
One of the most significant takeaways was the simplicity and transparency of the Indonesian electoral system. In the Philippines, elections are often marred by complications—complicated ballot designs, malfunctioning voting machines, long queues, and often, a general lack of transparency. In contrast, Indonesia’s system, while not without its challenges, was remarkably straightforward. Voters simply marked a symbol on the ballot and placed it in a transparent box. The votes were counted by hand and publicly posted in each polling station. There was no room for ambiguity, and every part of the process was visible to the public and monitored by party representatives and international observers.
This transparency should be a model for us. Too often in the Philippines, the results of elections are shrouded in mystery, with accusations of fraud, vote buying, and manipulation running rampant. If we adopted the same level of openness seen in Indonesia—public posting of results at every stage, transparency in vote counting, and openness to international observers—we could begin to rebuild trust in our electoral system.
Another key lesson from Indonesia was the discipline and respect that voters exhibited on election day. In the Philippines, election day is often marked by long lines, confusion, and occasional violence. Yet, in Indonesia, voters waited calmly and patiently, showing a deep respect for the process. The voting experience was orderly and peaceful, with no reports of violence or disruptions at polling stations. This level of civic maturity and engagement is something we need to cultivate in our own citizens.
The Indonesian example also highlighted the importance of clean campaigning. In the days leading up to the election, I noticed that once the official campaign period ended, all political advertisements, posters, and banners were immediately removed from public spaces. There was no clutter, no leftover campaign materials hanging around. The streets were clean and free from the usual eyesores of political advertisements that linger long after the campaign ends in the Philippines. The immediate cleanup not only reflected the discipline of the Indonesians but also allowed the focus to remain on the importance of voting, not the spectacle of electioneering.
The simple act of removing campaign materials immediately after the official campaigning period ended may seem like a small detail, but it speaks volumes about the level of civic responsibility exhibited by the Indonesian public and the political parties involved. It is a lesson we could apply in the Philippines, where the streets are often littered with posters and streamers long after the election is over, contributing to a sense of disorder and wastefulness.
Perhaps the most important lesson, however, is one that speaks directly to the heart of democracy itself: the role of the citizen. In Indonesia, I witnessed ordinary people—teachers, farmers, students—taking the time to vote, to ensure that their voices were heard. Voting was not seen as a mere obligation but as an opportunity to shape the future of their country. This sense of civic duty is something we must strive to cultivate in the Philippines, where voter apathy and low turnout rates remain persistent problems.
Indonesia’s commitment to democracy, as evidenced by their first free election in over four decades, shows the power of ordinary citizens coming together to decide their future. It is a reminder that democracy is not a passive state; it is a dynamic, living system that requires the active engagement of all its members. As Filipinos, we should embrace this ideal, recognizing that our votes do not just affect us as individuals but shape the future of our entire nation.
Lastly, the Indonesian election demonstrated that democracy, while messy and imperfect, is something worth fighting for. Indonesia has had its own struggles—economic crises, political instability, and authoritarianism—yet it has emerged from these challenges with a renewed sense of hope and determination. The Indonesian people have shown that no matter how difficult the journey, democracy is worth the effort.
In the Philippines, we too have faced our own share of struggles. But the lesson from Indonesia is clear: the road to a better democracy is long and difficult, but it is a road we must walk if we are to build a more just and equitable society. By learning from Indonesia’s example, we can begin to address the flaws in our own electoral system and move toward a future where every Filipino’s vote is respected, counted, and valued.
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