Publication Search

The principle of popular sovereignty is a fundamental foundation of the Indonesian democratic system, as stated in Article 1, Paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution. Popular sovereignty emphasizes the importance of the people's right to choose and be chosen in general elections (Pemilu) and regional elections (Pilkada), which serve as the source of legitimacy for a legitimate government. This sovereignty should reflect democratic values that are just and equal. However, in practice, the implementation of popular sovereignty through elections is often tarnished by money politics, which threatens the integrity of democracy itself. This phenomenon indicates a profound distortion of democratic principles, where the election process is more driven by material interests than by political aspirations and ideologies. Money politics not only undermines the quality of elections but also diminishes public trust in the democratic process. This practice allows voters to sell their votes in exchange for money or goods, leading to electoral injustice. It transforms general elections and regional elections from an ideal democratic process into a contest reliant on financial resources, rather than on the quality of the leaders chosen. This article aims to analyze the contradiction between the constitutional ideal of popular sovereignty and the reality of money politics in the administration of general elections and regional elections. This study employs a normative juridical approach with qualitative analysis techniques to explore how current laws have guaranteed the implementation of popular sovereignty. The findings indicate that although the legal framework provides protection for the principle of popular sovereignty, weak law enforcement and the persistent transactional political culture hinder its substantial realization. As a solution, this article recommends several strategic steps, including strengthening regulations to limit money politics, reforming the party system to reduce the dominance of practical politics, and enhancing political education based on democratic values and integrity. With these measures, the principle of popular sovereignty can be more purely and consistently upheld, ultimately strengthening Indonesia’s democratic system to be fair and sustainable.

The younger generation in Indonesia faces significant challenges in the form of an identity crisis and moral degradation due to the increasingly strong influence of other cultures in the era of globalization and the fifth industrial revolution. A pragmatic culture that does not always align with national identity puts pressure on Pancasila principles such as belief in God, humanity, unity, democracy, and social justice. As a result, character education integrated into social studies instruction serves as a tactical tool to reintroduce these fundamental principles to students from an early age. This study, using qualitative methodology and a descriptive design, found that contextualized and project-based social studies instruction not only enhances students' understanding of Pancasila values ​​but also fosters the growth of critical thinking skills, social empathy, reflective attitudes, and a spirit of cooperation. When combined with digital tools like Canva, Taman Siswa's teachings—niteni, niroake, and nambahi—have proven successful in developing students' creativity and enhancing their purpose and enjoyment in learning.

This research analyzes the role of the state and education in shaping people's democratic mentality through psychological and social approaches. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, with data collection through interviews, observations, and literature studies of teachers, students, community leaders, and education bureaucrats. The results show that the state contributes through civic education policies, curriculum implementation, and character programs such as the Pancasila Student Profile. Educational institutions function as a vehicle for the formation of democratic attitudes through participatory and dialogic learning. Psychosocial factors such as parenting, social media and culture also influence the internalization of democratic values. The formation of a democratic mentality requires synergy between the state, education and society to create active, critical and inclusive citizens.

Individual candidates are one of the nomination paths other than political parties that use public support as a prerequisite for being appointed as regional head candidates. Individual candidates are often referred to as democratic paths or grassroots paths because candidates who are successfully appointed truly come from public support that has been verified with certainty through factual verification. Individual candidates are also often seen as a solution to the high political dowries and the phenomena of corruption, collusion and nepotism that arise from the failure of political parties to carry out their function as the people's dignity. However, their existence has always been discredited by political parties, especially since the change in the nomination threshold by political parties which was decided in the Constitutional Court decision 60/PUU-XXII/2024. This literature study examines the potential presence of individual candidates in reducing political dowries and corruption which is also useful for upholding democracy with people's sovereignty. Therefore, it is necessary to consider reducing the threshold for support for individual candidates to balance the political battle of regional elections. By highlighting individual candidates as tough political opponents, it will trigger changes in the structure and working mechanisms of political parties in order to gain the sympathy of the people that has been lost over the past few decades

The enactment of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP) has brought a number of controversies, one of which is related to the revival of provisions regarding the criminal act of insulting the President and Vice President. This article aims to critically examine these provisions in the perspective of the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Indonesian constitution and international human rights instruments. This research uses a normative juridical approach with an analysis of the norms in the new Criminal Code, the 1945 Constitution, as well as international treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The results of the study show that although the provision of insulting the President in the Criminal Code is only referred to as a complaint offense and is framed to protect the dignity of state institutions, the provision still has the potential to limit freedom of opinion excessively. In addition to risking opening a loophole for criminalization of legitimate public criticism, this rule also has the potential to contradict the principles of non-discrimination and accountability of public officials in a democratic country. Therefore, an in-depth evaluation of the formulation of norms and their application is needed so that they do not conflict with the spirit of democracy and the protection of human rights.   Keywords: , , , , .

The revision of Law No. 34 of 2004 concerning the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI Law) on March 20, 2025, particularly regarding the expanded placement of active military personnel in civilian positions, has sparked concerns about the return of Dwifungsi ABRI. This study critically analyzes whether this expanded role can be categorized as a New Style Dwifungsi and its implications for democratic consolidation in Indonesia. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach with a literature review, this research examines the historical roots of Dwifungsi ABRI, the crucial changes in the 2025 TNI Law revision, and analyzes the concerns of civil society and academics. The findings indicate the potential weakening of civilian supremacy, a decline in military professionalism, and accountability issues. International comparative studies underscore the importance of civilian supremacy and military neutrality in a democracy. The conclusion emphasizes the necessity of upholding democratic integrity and civilian supremacy through transparency and strict accountability in any military placement within the civilian sphere.

This study explores the tension between freedom of expression and the enforcement of criminal law in the digital space, using a case study of political memes depicting national figures Prabowo Subianto and Joko Widodo in a satirical context. The case sparked controversy after law enforcement authorities applied morality provisions from Indonesia's Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE), which many experts consider irrelevant to the substance of the content. Employing a qualitative approach through literature review, the analysis is framed within three theoretical perspectives: Constitutional Democracy Theory, Human Rights Theory, and Criminal Law Theory. The findings reveal that the application of ambiguous provisions in the UU ITE to digital expression has the potential to violate the rule of law, restrict civil liberties, and create a chilling effect on citizens' political participation. Consequently, this study recommends legal reform and the enhancement of digital literacy as strategies to strengthen constitutional democracy in the digital era.

This paper discusses in depth the juridical review of the Draft Law on the Indonesian National Army (RUU TNI), by highlighting two key principles in the Indonesian constitutional system, namely civilian supremacy and the principle of the rule of law. Civilian supremacy places civilian authorities - especially the president and parliament - above military institutions in state policy-making, as a guarantee that military power does not become an autonomous force that can intervene in civilian political and governance processes. In this context, the role of the TNI must be placed proportionally and in accordance with the mandate of the constitution, especially Article 30 of the 1945 Constitution which affirms that the TNI as a means of state defence is subject to state policies and political decisions.Through a normative-analytical approach, this article examines the substance of the TNI Bill, including clauses governing the TNI's main tasks, its involvement in military operations other than war (OMSP), as well as authorities that could potentially have multiple interpretations if not accompanied by strict legal supervision and restrictions. Although this bill appears to respond to global dynamics in modern military governance, a number of provisions in it raise concerns about the imbalance between civilian and military power. If not anticipated with an effective civilian control system and transparent accountability mechanisms, the TNI Bill has the potential to deviate from the principles of the rule of law.

Rapid developments in information technology have opened up opportunities for new threats to national security, one of which is hacking of information systems. Cyber attacks not only cause economic losses and disrupt public services, but also pose a serious threat to Indonesia's digital sovereignty. In this context, state intelligence has a strategic role as the front line in detecting, analyzing, and countering various forms of threats to the country's strategic information systems. However, strengthening the function of state intelligence in dealing with hacking crimes still faces various obstacles, ranging from regulatory aspects that are not yet adaptive, weak inter-agency coordination, to limitations in technology and human resources. This study aims to examine the extent of the effectiveness of strengthening state intelligence in countering information system hacking, as well as to formulate the urgency of updating national legal policies that support the formation of a strong, integrated, and professional cyber intelligence system. Using a normative legal research method supported by a conceptual and case approach, this study concludes that strengthening state intelligence requires regulatory reform, institutional integration, and investment in technology and human resources in order to maintain national sovereignty in the digital age.

Both the process of democratization and the societal change that has taken place in Indonesia have been significantly influenced by globalization. The purpose of this study is to conduct a literature review that focuses on the relationship between globalization, social transformation, and the growth of democracy in Indonesia. With the help of a qualitative methodology that is founded on literature studies, this research investigates the ways in which the flow of information, technology, and global values influences the mentalities of individuals, as well as the social structures and political dynamics in Indonesia. The findings of the study indicate that globalization fosters the development of a society that is more receptive to democratic principles, such as the protection of human rights, the freedom of expression, and the provision of opportunities for political engagement. There are, however, challenges that come along with globalization. These challenges include socio-economic inequality, the erosion of local values, and threats to ethnic and cultural sovereignty. With globalization serving as a catalyst in improving political freedom and expanding civil society involvement, the process of democratization in Indonesia developed fast after the reforms that took place in 1998. The findings of this study highlight the significance of policies that are capable of striking a balance between the impact of globalization and the maintenance of local identity. This is necessary in order to bring about social change that is inclusive and to enhance democracy in Indonesia in a way that is sustainable.

The Constitutional Court (MK) Decision Number 55/PHPU.BUP-XXIII/2025 is an important precedent in the dynamics of regional head election law in Indonesia. The Constitutional Court canceled the participation of the North Gorontalo Regent candidate pair because one of the candidates was still undergoing a criminal probation period. This article analyzes the Constitutional Court's legal considerations and their implications for the principle of legal certainty and protection of voters' constitutional rights. This study uses a normative legal approach with a descriptive-qualitative analysis method of laws and regulations and Supreme Court decisions. The results show that the enforcement of strict nomination requirements by the Constitutional Court emphasizes the importance of compliance with the law in the democratic process, while ensuring that regional head candidates have proper moral and legal integrity, this decision also emphasizes that the election process is not only procedural, but also substantial in ensuring the quality of leadership that will be elected. In addition, this decision provides guidelines for election organizers, especially the General Election Commission (KPU), to be more careful in conducting factual verification of candidate requirements. On the other hand, political parties are encouraged to be more selective in nominating candidates, in order to avoid potential legal disputes that could harm public trust in democracy.

This study aims to examine how university students perceive freedom of expression in Indonesia within the context of democracy and the digital age. A descriptive quantitative method was employed by distributing questionnaires to students from various universities. The findings reveal that most students view freedom of expression as a fundamental right in a democratic society. However, concerns were raised regarding potential restrictions through ambiguous regulations and the threat of legal sanctions. Social media platforms serve as the primary medium for expressing opinions, although risks such as digital harassment and criminalization persist. In conclusion, while students generally have a positive view of freedom of expression, they remain cautious about its possible repercussions. These findings suggest the need for stronger legal protections and improved digital literacy to ensure that freedom of expression remains safeguarded in a democratic system.

This study aims to examine the Islamic perspective on the process of electing leaders, focusing on the hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari that warns of the dangers of entrusting authority to those who are not qualified. Using a descriptive-analytical method with a normative juridical approach, this research analyzes primary sources such as the hadiths in Sahih Al-Bukhari and relevant statutory regulations, supported by secondary sources from related scholarly literature. The findings reveal that leadership in Islam is a great trust (amanah) that demands strict fulfillment of Shari'ah criteria, including justice, trustworthiness, knowledge, and honesty. Entrusting leadership to incompetent individuals may lead to widespread social and political collapse, as indicated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in his hadith. Furthermore, the community’s negligence in electing suitable leaders is considered a collective sin that significantly affects societal stability. Therefore, Muslims must exercise greater vigilance, critical thinking, and responsibility in choosing their leaders to maintain social order in line with the principles of shura and Islamic values.

The viral phenomenon of #IndonesiaGelap on social media in early 2025 reflects symptoms of socio-political disorganization in Indonesia. This hashtag symbolizes public and student unrest concerning the crisis of institutional legitimacy, weakened regulatory functions, and the erosion of public trust. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method, focusing on student protests at Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) as a response to perceived political injustice. Using the framework of structural functionalism and Émile Durkheim’s concept of anomie, the movement is interpreted as an adaptive response to systemic failure in providing legitimate channels for justice and democracy. Although it has not resulted in direct policy change, the movement has raised collective awareness, expanded public discourse, and reaffirmed the role of students as agents of change in the digital age. The study recommends collaboration among students, government, and civil society to create a more inclusive and responsive socio-political system.

Since the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) at the end of 2015, all economic actors—including SMEs and microenterprises—are expected to improve and adapt in order to enhance the quality of both goods and services. Failure to do so may result in Indonesia becoming a "soft target" market for other ASEAN countries, given its status as the most populous country in the region with over 270 million people. SMEs and microenterprises, which represent the embodiment of people-based economic democracy, would be particularly vulnerable if goods and services from various ASEAN countries continue to flood the Indonesian market. Recognizing this situation, empowering SMEs and microenterprises is not only necessary but inevitable to help the nation discover its identity through the development of comparative and competitive advantages. This activity began by identifying existing problems, followed by determining suitable solutions. The method used involves training and mentoring.The outcome of this initiative is the improved capability of the traditional cake microenterprise to optimize its sales by using locally sourced raw materials. As a result, the "Puji Lestari" Traditional Cake Microenterprise has successfully enhanced its production capacity and business management.Financial reporting is also a crucial aspect of business development. A well-maintained financial report reflects the progress of the business, particularly through the net profits it generates. These outcomes serve as indicators of increased empowerment and the strengthening of the enterprise.

Law constitutes a set of rules that must be obeyed and implemented by every individual. The concept of law-making forms part of the broader meaning of legal politics, serving as a guideline for the governance of the state and the life of society. Law is a necessity for all components of the nation and the state to create security and order, thereby providing a sense of justice. General elections (Pemilu) conducted directly by the people, from the people, and for the people serve as a means of manifesting sovereignty for the state to produce a democratic government based on Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. The administration of general elections direct, free, universal, and secret must be carried out honestly and fairly, capable of realizing national integration, professionalism, and accountability in order to position the people as the primary holder of sovereignty. This study employs a normative juridical legal research method with a statutory approach and a conceptual approach. The results of this research indicate that the legal concept concerning general elections depends on legal politics, which acts as a determining activity in the pattern and formation of election legislation designed to oversee and renew that law as a determination of politics related to democracy in the country. This study aims to ascertain the impact of the implementation of legal politics in the post-reform general election system and represents an existence of legal politics within Indonesia’s legal enforcement system.

This study investigates how Islamic da’wah can serve as a strategic instrument in strengthening civic engagement within democratic societies. Civic engagement is the active participation of citizens in public life, including policy-making, government oversight, and involvement in solving social problems. It is a crucial element in maintaining a fair and participatory democratic system. In the context of Muslim communities, Islamic da’wah not only aims to convey religious teachings but also seeks to instill universal values such as justice, equality, consultation (shura), empathy, and social responsibility—principles that form the foundation of democratic life. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with a library research approach. Data were gathered from secondary sources such as books, academic journals, and relevant articles related to Islamic da’wah, civic engagement, and democracy. This method was chosen to allow for a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the social function of da’wah without conducting field observations or direct interviews. The results of this study show that Islamic da’wah, when practiced contextually and inclusively, can build critical social awareness, encourage public participation, and strengthen constructive social dialogue. Digital da’wah, Islamic value-based social campaigns, and the proactive role of preachers as agents of change become key elements in bridging Islamic teachings with democratic values. Furthermore, participatory da’wah empowers marginalized groups to become more involved in public discourse. Therefore, Islamic da’wah emerges not only as a spiritual medium but also as a cultural force that supports the development of a just, democratic, and civilized civil society.

Political debates are one of the main elements in the flow of democracy in various countries, including Indonesia. In the context of the general election held by presidential and vice presidential candidates in 2024, the 5th debate is a crucial moment in the political campaign. This study aims to analyze the various communication patterns carried out by each presidential and vice presidential candidate pair in the 5th debate in 2024. The content analysis method is used to identify and analyze the communication methods used by the candidate pairs. Data were obtained from debate transcriptions and analyzed qualitatively to reveal communication patterns, including word choice, speaking style, use of rhetoric, framing, and argumentation strategies. The results of the study show variations in communication patterns between candidate pairs. Each candidate pair uses different communication strategies in their efforts to influence public opinion. Differences in the use of language, rhetoric, and message focus were found between the candidate pairs, reflecting differences in their campaign strategies. This study contributes to the understanding of the dynamics of political communication in the context of political debates in Indonesia. The results of the analysis can provide valuable insights into the understanding of political communication strategies in the democratic process, and provide a foundation for subsequent researchers in this scientific field.

This research will explain the role of the Village Consultative Body as a Local Democracy that occurs in Umaklaran Village. Through a Village democratization approach and analyzing the democratic role of the Village Consultative Body (BPD) in the dynamics of governance in the Village with its existence as a Village Democracy institution, in Umaklaran Village, East Tasifeto District, Belu Regency. In this research, to explain the role and analyze the role of the Village Consultative Body in the dynamics of village governance using the theory of Role and Democracy. The method used in this research is a qualitative method with a descriptive approach, and data collection techniques in the form of interviews, observation and documentation studies. In this research it can be illustrated that the role of the BPD as a democratic institution in Umaklaran Village, East Tasifeto sub-district, Belu Regency, is still not working well or is not optimal, this is based on the minimal knowledge and low educational background of the BPD itself, apart from that disharmony in the relationship between the BPD and the village government. So the democratization process in Umaklaran Village has not gone well to date.

As the largest political event in Indonesia, elections are closely tied to mass political communication strategies. In the digital era, social media has emerged as a new arena for political actors to convey campaign messages. This study examines how propaganda techniques are applied in political advertisements on social media, focusing on the dynamics between manipulation and persuasion efforts targeting voters. Through a literature review of various journals and reports, this paper explores forms of propaganda, visual symbolism, celebrity involvement, and regulatory issues concerning political advertisements on social media. The findings indicate that propaganda techniques in digital ads not only appeal to voters' emotions but also create spaces for bias and misinformation that can disrupt the quality of democracy.​