2023 ST Lee Lecture - Can democracy deliver? Reflections on the Indonesian case

The 2023 ST Lee Lecture is presented by Dr Anies Rasyid Baswedan, the Governor of Jakarta from 2017-2022. Dr Baswedan will discuss his views on Indonesia today, particularly on democracy and his vision for the country's future.

Many observers are warning that democracy is in retreat around the globe. One reason for this trend is that non-democratic models of development are attracting a growing number of adherents. From the perspective of these adherents, complex democratic processes hinder the implementation of policies and ultimately result in a failure to deliver benefits to the people. In contrast, so the argument goes, less democratic forms of governance, with fewer political constraints, can facilitate a faster and more effective policymaking process, and thus be more successful in bringing benefits to the people. Both historically and in contemporary times, this kind of narrative has enjoyed political support in our region, and in Indonesia too.

In this lecture, Dr Baswedan challenges the notion that less democratic government is better at achieving developmental success, and explains why he believes that democracy can deliver. Drawing on his experience in public policy, particularly as the Governor of Jakarta, Dr Baswedan will share his perspective on how democracy can effectively function to deliver progress and development for the people.

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