UNDIP, Jakarta (11/10) – Three experts from Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) served as speakers at a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) organized by the Research Body of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI) on October 6, 2026. Carrying the theme “Restoring Popular Sovereignty from the Perspective of Pancasila Democracy,” the forum discussed various issues in Indonesian politics, including democratic practices, the high cost of politics, and efforts to strengthen popular sovereignty in state governance.
The three UNDIP experts were Wijayanto, Ph.D., an expert in digital politics and democracy who also serves as UNDIP Vice Rector IV for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Public Communication; Prof. Dr. Arief Hidayat, S.H., M.S., former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Indonesia; and Prof. Dr. Teguh Yuwono, M.Pol.Admin., Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, UNDIP.
Pancasila Democracy: Beyond Electoral Procedures
One of the main topics discussed in the forum was the tendency of democratic practices in Indonesia to remain centered on electoral procedures, particularly on election conduct. Democracy cannot be measured solely by the regular holding of elections. Still, it must also be assessed to what extent citizens can influence public decisions, oversee the exercise of power, and help determine the direction of development.
During the discussion, Wijayanto emphasized that Pancasila democracy carries a broader mandate than political democracy alone. Pancasila calls not only for political democracy, but also for economic democracy. This principle is reflected in the fourth principle of Pancasila, concerning democracy guided by the inner wisdom of deliberation and representation, and the fifth principle, concerning social justice for all Indonesians.
From this perspective, popular sovereignty does not end with the right to elect leaders and representatives. Sovereignty also relates to people’s opportunities to participate in decision-making, articulate their interests, and gain fairer access to economic opportunities.
Therefore, strengthening Pancasila democracy requires broadening public participation in political processes while ensuring that development yields more equitable benefits. Political democracy and economic democracy are two interconnected dimensions in realizing the ideal of social justice.
High Political Costs and the Issue of Money Politics
The forum also discussed the high cost of politics in elections, including the practice of money politics. The high costs of candidacy and campaigning are a concern because they may affect equal opportunities among candidates, the relationship between candidates and voters, and the accountability of elected officials.
Money politics also undermines the quality of political representation. When material transactions influence political choices, the relationship between citizens and their representatives risks shifting from one based on programs and public mandates to a transactional one.
Participants discussed various alternatives to address these challenges, including strengthening transparency and accountability in political financing, monitoring campaign funding, enforcing regulations against money politics, and improving political recruitment and nomination mechanisms. Public political education and a stronger role for civil society in overseeing electoral processes were also considered important in strengthening democratic integrity.
Reforming the electoral system, therefore, concerns not only the technical aspects of election administration but also how to ensure that political competition is fairer and produces representatives capable of carrying out the public mandate. This agenda is particularly relevant to policy and regulatory discussions ahead of the 2029 General Election.
UNDIP Presents Two Research Books to the MPR RI
On the same occasion, Wijayanto presented two books based on UNDIP research to the MPR RI. The books examine the dynamics of digital democracy and the role of civil society in democratic life.
The first book, “Pasukan Siber” (Cyber Troops), examines the dynamics of digital democracy in Indonesia, particularly the role of cyber troops in political competition. The book discusses how political actors use social media to shape public opinion, influence political conversations, and mobilize support. It also highlights the challenges of public opinion manipulation and its implications for the quality of democracy in the digital era.
The second book, “Masyarakat Sipil dan Demokrasi” (Civil Society and Democracy), discusses the role of civil society as a space for citizen participation as well as a network of collective associations. Civil society plays an important role in organizing interests, conveying aspirations, overseeing power, and maintaining balance in relations between the state and society. Strengthening civil society is therefore an important element in ensuring that democracy does not stop at electoral processes, but also provides meaningful spaces for citizen participation.
The presentation of the two books was part of an effort to expand the use of UNDIP research and academic studies in public policy discussions. The issues raised in both books are relevant to discussions on popular sovereignty, the integrity of political processes, and the challenges facing Indonesian democracy amid rapid developments in digital technology.
Academic Contribution to National Policy Formulation
During the forum, the UNDIP experts provided direct input to the leadership and members of the MPR RI Research Body. UNDIP research findings were also submitted as materials for consideration in the institution’s review process. Appreciation for UNDIP’s participation was conveyed by Yasonna H. Laoly, both directly during the forum and through a message to Wijayanto after the event.
The involvement of the three UNDIP experts in this forum reflects the university’s contribution to academic perspectives on national policy discussions, particularly on state governance, constitutional issues, electoral regulations, and strengthening democracy ahead of the 2029 General Election.
Through research, publications, and dialogue with state institutions, UNDIP continues to encourage the use of its research findings and academic expertise in public policy formulation. This effort is in line with the university’s commitment to ensuring that knowledge not only remains confined to academic settings but also delivers tangible benefits to society and national development.
UNDIP Noble and Valuable.
(Public Communication/UNDIP)