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KASYP Alumni Virtual Discussion Series

The Philippines and Indonesia are among the leading democratic, largely youthful, and economically dynamic countries in Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia. However, such political and economic dynamism according to critics is faced with democratic deficits and challenges.

In fact, apart from the lack of authentic platform-based political parties, the Philippines lacks genuine representation of the marginalized sectors in government institutions such as the legislative branch – both local and national despite having the Party-list system in the legislative branch of government, which is highlighted as a democratic institution deficit. Moreover, the Philippines is challenged in creating sound public-private sector including civil society partnerships to have inclusive development and economic growth most especially in the countryside. On the other hand, Indonesia is facing similar criticism on its brand of democracy, which according to US-based Freedom House, is a semi-democratic country – only partly free. Indonesia also is faced with the problem on how to improve and engage minorities, marginalized, and informal sectors, while protecting their rights and civil liberties. With such reality, a loosening of the bonds of tolerance and inclusion underpinning social stability in both of these Southeast Asian nations, which further deteriorate social conditions driven by alarming income inequalities among marginalized sectors, who are susceptible to extremism and violence (armed rebellion). Apart from that, these democratic and socio-political issues are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in these two countries, which are currently struggling to address the surging cases of its citizens affected by the virus and the negative impact the pandemic brought to their respective economies.

The government and non-state institutions such as NGOs and business organizations are facing business process disruptions, rising unemployment, and even health and environmental risks, we need to collaborate, share our expertise and resources to help find solutions that truly matters to any citizens and residents of both the Philippines and Indonesia, including the Filipino and Indonesian KASYP alumni. These solutions need to be people-centred, results-oriented, data-driven (measurable), and relevant.

This online discussion is necessary and relevant because it will review and give us insights on how participatory governance, which includes citizen-led policy-making and programming in government, is a work in progress, and is faced with deficits and challenges in the Philippines and in Indonesia. These democratic institution deficits and challenges have been exacerbated and more visible during the COVID-19 pandemic experiences in both countries. Despite existing legal frameworks of being conducive for citizen’s participation in both countries, non-state actors’ meaningful experience in governance and having a genuine voice in government structures remains a challenge.

More importantly, such political dialogue and conversation will also showcase pragmatic and effective insights, practices and approaches to make participatory governance, particularly with disadvantaged sectors, in these two countries more people-centred, open and inclusive, and accountable.

Here you will find the program for download: Programme KASYP Virtual Discussion Series Session 02.pdf