The Twilight of Reformasi: Freedom of Expression and Civic Engagement in Indonesia and Malaysia
Date of publication:
2026
Publisher:
ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Number of pages:
23
Code:
TRS26/26
Soft Cover
ISBN: 9789815361995
About the publication
- The developmentalist authoritarian regimes of both Indonesia and Malaysia faced setbacks with the onset of the Asian financial crisis in 1997/98. Suharto’s New Order was toppled by massive student-led protests, bringing to an end his thirty-two years’ rule. In Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad remained in power, but protests shifted significant support to the opposition and emboldened civil society.
- The Reformasi movements in Indonesia and Malaysia ushered in greater democratization, expanded the spaces for civic engagement, and strengthened freedom of expression in both countries. Since 2004, Indonesia has witnessed back-to-back free and fair elections, and since 2008, Barisan Nasional’s (BN) dominance in Malaysia has been dented.
- This monograph discusses recent developments in civic engagement and freedom of expression in Indonesia and Malaysia. It argues that these countries are facing declines according to democratic indices, youth perceptions and academic freedom. This is evident in state restrictions on citizens, activists and academics who criticize the government and those in power, including coordinated online intimidation, militaristic law enforcement tactics against protests, and the suppression of artistic works and critical analyses.
- The Indonesian and Malaysian governments have made significant inroads in improving society’s socio-economic indicators and cohesion. The Indonesian Democracy Index shows a significant decline in freedom of expression, particularly since the latter period of Jokowi’s administration. Malaysia, comparatively, continues to do better than Indonesia in managing freedom despite several isolated episodes that undermine civic engagement.
- The degree of civic engagement in Indonesia and Malaysia suggests three key messages for policymakers: declining civic space is a strong indication that public trust between the state and civil society is in a delicate phase; youth behaviour must constantly be managed to prevent any volatile situation or political apathy; and the curtailment of academic freedom could have an impact on knowledge production and the overall wellbeing of society.
Contents
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The Twilight of Reformasi: Freedom of Expression and Civic Engagement in Indonesia and Malaysia
[Whole Publication, ISBN: 9789815393002], by Iim Halimatusa'diyah, Norshahril Saat, authors
