Indonesia's Democracy Index Rose in 2024 but Not Yet Considered Good

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) report, the Indonesian Democracy Index (IDI) reached 79.81 points in 2024.

An IDI score above 80 points is categorized as "good." Scores between 60 and 80 points are categorized as "moderate," and scores below 60 points are categorized as "poor."

Therefore, the quality of Indonesian democracy in 2024 falls into the "moderate" category. Although it increased compared to 2023, the level is still lower than 2022, which was categorized as "good."

According to the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs (Kemenko Polkam), the fluctuating IDI figures in recent years indicate that strengthening Indonesian democracy still requires special attention.

"The IDI is not only an evaluative instrument but also reflects the quality of our democracy today," said Haryadi, Assistant Deputy for Coordination of Democracy and Elections at Kemenko Polkam, in a press release (September 17, 2025).

"Therefore, we continue to encourage the IDI to become an integral part of a sustainable national political development strategy," he continued.

Based on the BPS report, the IDI is an indicator showing the level of democratic development in Indonesia.

The BPS first launched this index in 2009. However, in 2021, the index measurement was revised using a new method.

In the new method, the IDI is measured based on 22 indicators summarized into three main aspects: freedom, equality, and the capacity of democratic institutions.

Here is a breakdown of the indicators for each assessment aspect in the new IDI method:

Freedom Aspect:

1. Guaranteed freedom of assembly, association, expression, and opinion by state apparatus.

2. Guaranteed freedom of assembly, association, expression, and opinion among the public.

3. Guaranteed freedom of belief.

4. Guaranteed freedom of assembly, association, expression, opinion, and belief in every policy.

5. Guaranteed right to vote and be elected in elections for all groups of society.

6. Fulfillment of workers' rights.

7. A free press in carrying out its duties and functions.

Equality Aspect:

1. Gender equality.

2. Public participation in influencing public policy through representative institutions.

3. Anti-monopoly of economic resources.

4. Access of the poor to social protection and security.

5. Equality of employment opportunities between regions.

6. Public access to public information.

7. Equality in basic services.

Capacity of Democracy Aspect:

1. Performance of the legislative institution.

2. Performance of the judiciary.

3. Neutrality of election organizers.

4. Decisions of the State Administrative Court (PTUN) regarding government officials' policies.

5. Government/local government guarantee for the preservation of the environment and the living space of the community.

6. Budget transparency in the form of provision of APBN/APBD information by the government.

7. Bureaucratic performance in public services.

8. Political education for political party cadres.

The IDI is then compiled based on analysis of media coverage, analysis of government regulations and official documents, and focus group discussions (FGDs) related to these indicators.