Reformasi

Reformasi refers to a period and process of political, legal, and social reform in Indonesia that began in 1998 with the end of the Suharto era and expanded through the early 2000s. The term, meaning reform, is used to describe efforts to transition to a more liberal, participatory, and accountable political system. The immediate trigger was the 1998 Asian financial crisis and mass protests, which culminated in Suharto’s resignation on 21 May 1998.

The reform agenda included democratization and political liberalization, such as the relaxation of media controls, legalization of opposition parties, and moves toward a multi-party system. Constitutional reforms from 1999 onward broadened civil liberties and paved the way for more open elections. Decentralization and regional autonomy were pursued through laws that transferred greater authority to provincial and district governments, reshaping the balance of power between central and regional authorities. Electoral reforms moved Indonesia toward direct elections for national and local representatives, with the first direct presidential election held in 2004.

Institution-building accompanied these changes, including the establishment of independent bodies to oversee governance and anti-corruption efforts, most notably the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in the early 2000s, as well as improvements in judicial and police accountability. Civil society, freedom of the press, and participation by women and minority groups expanded during this period, contributing to ongoing political participation and reform.

Today, reformasi is used to describe Indonesia’s continuing efforts to deepen democracy, governance, and the rule of law, even as the country faces challenges such as corruption, regional disparities, and political fragmentation.