Information on the New Method of Compiling the Indonesian Democracy Index

The Indonesian Democracy Index (IDI) is a measure of political development used by the government in the 2010 – 2014, 2015 – 2019, and 2020 – 2024 RPJMN. IDI is a collaboration between government agencies, namely the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, BPS, Bappenas, Ministry of Home Affairs, and local governments.

In 2021 BPS has used a new method in compiling the Indonesian Democracy Index figures. The reason for updating the method is because several indicators are found to be no longer relevant so that improvements need to be made based on studies by BPS and Bappenas throughout 2019-2021.

Through the collaboration of three research institutes, namely Cakra Wikara Indonesia (CWI), the SMERU Research Institute, and the Center for the Study of Religion and Democracy (PUSAD) Paramadina said that the urgency of the revision of the IDI based on the study contained at least four things;

First, IDI needs to have a strong theoretical and conceptual basis in interpreting democracy according to the Indonesian context. IDI is not only an instrument for measuring and assessing Indonesian democracy, but is also used as a reference for development planning in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) and Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMND).

Second, it is necessary to conduct measurements at the central level, not only at the provincial level to ensure a comprehensive Indonesian Democracy Index. Third, the concept of democracy is still understood to be limited to the political dimension. Meanwhile, in the context of democracy, based on the experience of post-authoritarian countries such as Indonesia, it is necessary to look at democracy in a wider variety of dimensions, including the economic and social aspects of society.

Fourth, a comparative study with various indices and measures of democracy is needed.

 Calculation method

IDI combines quantitative and qualitative search methods. Quantitative data is collected from printed newspapers and online news portals, secondary data, and indexes produced by government agencies. Briefly, the IDI preparation scheme for the new method begins with collecting the quantitative data, then data entry and verification is carried out by the BPS team assisted by other parties, either data producers or experts in related fields, after which focus group discussions (FGD), verification and calculations are carried out. The Indonesian Democracy Index, after that in the last stage, the release and publication will be carried out.

In the future, it is hoped that there will be an expansion of benefits and responses to the results of the IDI so that evaluations are not only from the government, but also economic actors and civil society groups.

If you are interested in reading more, please download the publication of the Jambi Province Indonesia Democracy Index 2021 on the website jambi.bps.go.id (Jambi/BPS Muaro Jambi Data)