Indonesia's Political Culture in 2022 Deemed Still Low

Based on a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Indonesia's democracy index score reached 6.71 out of 10 in 2022. This placed Indonesia 54th globally, down two places from 2021.

The index comprises five categories, each scored on a scale of 0-10.

First, Indonesia's electoral process and pluralism scored 7.92. Second, government functioning scored 7.86.

Third, political participation received a score of 7.22. Fourth, civil liberties scored 6.18. Fifth, political culture scored only 4.38.

Many components of Indonesia's democracy index actually exceeded the global average. However, only political culture fell below the global standard, indicating a relatively low level of political culture in Indonesia.

The global average scores for the index components were: electoral process and pluralism (5.59), government functioning (4.70), political participation (5.44), civil liberties (5.43), and political culture (5.32). The overall global average score was 5.29.

The EIU noted that the Asia-Australia region also experienced a decline in the political culture category.

"The region's score for political culture fell slightly due to a more negative public perception of leadership and democracy in places like Hong Kong and South Korea," the EIU wrote in its report.

The EIU democracy index uses 60 indicators in its research, measured on a scale of 0 to 10.

Indicators are grouped into five categories: electoral process and pluralism; civil liberties; government functioning; political participation; and political culture.

Several factors should be considered if a country does not score at least 1 point in a category:

1. Whether national elections are free and fair.
2. Voter security.
3. Influence of foreign powers on the government.
4. The government's ability to implement policies.

The index score is used to classify countries into one of four regime types:

1. Full democracy: score greater than 8
2. Flawed democracy: score greater than 6 and less than or equal to 8
3. Hybrid regime: score greater than 4 and less than or equal to 6
4. Authoritarian regime: score less than or equal to 4

Below are the components of Indonesia's and the world's democracy index in 2022, as compiled by the EIU:

* Indonesia
* Electoral process and pluralism: 7.92 points
* Government functioning: 7.86 points
* Political participation: 7.22 points
* Civil liberties: 6.18 points
* Political culture: 4.38 points
* Total score: 6.71 points

* Global Average
* Electoral process and pluralism: 5.59 points
* Government functioning: 4.70 points
* Political participation: 5.44 points
* Civil liberties: 5.43 points
* Political culture: 5.32 points
* Total score: 5.29 points