Indonesia’s Weak Institutions Spark Nostalgia for New Order

Jakarta Globe ^ | 05/27/2013 | Ezra Sihite

[TexGrill]

Many Indonesians believe that life in the New Order era under President Suharto was better than today and that social elites dominate modern politics and law, according to a senior former jurist.

Speaking at a forum in Jakarta, former Constitutional Court chief justice Mahfud M.D. said that Indonesia is blighted by an oligarchy of elites that prioritize their interests over the public interest and do not abide by social rules, causing disillusionment and a lack of confidence in the law.

“Don’t be surprised to see people today wanting to see the military back [in power] because of oligarchic [conditions]. In Yogyakarta, you see stickers on cars with picture of a smiling Suharto reading, ‘Wasn’t it good during my time?’ ” Mahfud said.

The retired judge said that economic conditions were good during Suharto’s era, but in the late 1990s Indonesia suffered a huge blow from the Asian financial crisis — which contributed to Suharto’s downfall — and took longer to recover than other countries in Southeast Asia.

He attributed Indonesia’s economic collapse to weak legal foundations and collusion in politics and the economy under Suharto.

[TexGrill]

Suharto was the king of corruption when he ruled Indonesia. It's funny that some Indonesians prefer a return to the Suharto corruption era instead of the contemporary corruption era.

[Jabba the Nutt]

You can only compare to what you know.

[Moleman]

There are some HOT Indo girls in Jakarta!

[Mr. Jeeves]

It's funny that some Indonesians prefer a return to the Suharto corruption era instead of the contemporary corruption era.

Probably the same reason why American voters prefer Democrats over Republicans - they think there is at least some chance some of that corruptly acquired money will flow into their own pockets in return for their pledged support.