Let's dive into the Presidential Decree of 1959, a significant piece of legislation in Indonesian history. Guys, this decree, also known as Dekrit Presiden 5 Juli 1959, marked a pivotal moment in the country's political landscape. It's super important to understand what led to it, what it contained, and what impact it had on Indonesia. So, buckle up, and let’s get started!

Background to the Decree

So, what was going on in Indonesia that led to this decree? Well, the late 1950s were a turbulent time. The country was struggling with political instability. The 1955 elections, intended to bring stability, had instead resulted in a fragmented political landscape. No single party gained a majority, leading to a series of unstable coalition governments. These governments rose and fell frequently, making it difficult to implement consistent policies or address the nation's pressing issues. The Constituent Assembly, tasked with drafting a new constitution to replace the provisional 1950 constitution, was deadlocked. Different factions couldn't agree on the fundamental principles that should underpin the new constitution, leading to endless debates and no real progress. Regional rebellions were popping up across the archipelago, fueled by dissatisfaction with the central government in Jakarta. These rebellions, such as the PRRI (Pemerintah Revolusioner Republik Indonesia) and Permesta movements, challenged the authority of the central government and further destabilized the country. Economic problems were also rampant. Inflation was high, and the country struggled with poverty and inequality. The government's inability to address these economic woes added to the general sense of crisis. President Sukarno, the charismatic leader of Indonesia, saw these challenges as a threat to national unity and stability. He believed that a return to the 1945 Constitution, with its stronger executive powers, was necessary to overcome these problems. He proposed the concept of Guided Democracy as a solution, arguing that it would provide stronger leadership and a more unified approach to governing the country. Given this context, it is easy to understand why the Presidential Decree of 1959 was deemed necessary to restore the political order in Indonesia.

Contents of the Presidential Decree

Okay, so what exactly did this decree say? The Presidential Decree of 1959 was concise but powerful. Its main points were as follows:

1. Dissolution of the Constituent Assembly: The decree officially dissolved the Constituent Assembly, which had failed to produce a new constitution. This move ended the prolonged deadlock and removed a major obstacle to Sukarno's plans.
2. Reinstatement of the 1945 Constitution: The decree reinstated the 1945 Constitution as the supreme law of the land. This constitution, which had been in effect briefly after Indonesia's independence, provided for a strong executive branch with significant powers vested in the President.
3. Establishment of the MPRS and DPAS: The decree also paved the way for the establishment of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPRS) and the Supreme Advisory Council (DPAS). The MPRS was the highest authority in the state and was responsible for formulating the broad outlines of state policy. The DPAS was an advisory body that provided counsel to the President. These bodies were designed to support the President in implementing his vision of Guided Democracy. The decree essentially swept away the old political order and laid the foundation for a new one, with President Sukarno at the helm. This was a bold move, and it had far-reaching consequences for Indonesia.

Impact and Consequences

So, what happened after the decree was issued? The Presidential Decree of 1959 had a profound impact on Indonesia, both positive and negative. On the one hand, it brought a period of relative stability after years of political turmoil. With the 1945 Constitution back in place, President Sukarno was able to consolidate power and implement his policies more effectively. The introduction of Guided Democracy led to a more centralized form of government, with greater control exercised by the President and his allies. This allowed for more decisive action on some fronts, such as national development projects and efforts to promote national unity. However, the decree also had some significant downsides. The concentration of power in the hands of the President led to a decline in democracy and civil liberties. Political opposition was suppressed, and freedom of speech and assembly were curtailed. Sukarno's government became increasingly authoritarian, and dissent was not tolerated. The MPRS and DPAS, while intended to provide support and advice, were largely composed of Sukarno's allies and served to rubber-stamp his decisions. The decree also led to increased tensions between the central government and the regions. While Sukarno aimed to promote national unity, his policies often alienated regional leaders and fueled separatist sentiments. The economic problems that had plagued Indonesia in the 1950s continued to persist, and Sukarno's focus on political consolidation often came at the expense of economic development. Over time, the negative consequences of the decree began to outweigh the positive ones, leading to growing dissatisfaction with Sukarno's rule. The long-term effects of the decree were complex and continue to be debated by historians and political scientists. It marked a turning point in Indonesian history, ushering in a new era of centralized power and authoritarian rule.

The Era of Guided Democracy

The Presidential Decree of 1959 was the starting gun for what became known as the era of Guided Democracy. Under this system, President Sukarno held immense power. He wasn't just a figurehead; he was the main decision-maker. Political parties still existed, but their influence was severely limited. Sukarno sought to create a sense of national unity by promoting the concept of Nasakom, which stood for Nationalism, Religion, and Communism. He tried to bring these three ideologies together under a single umbrella, but it was a fragile and ultimately unsustainable alliance. Sukarno's government embarked on a series of ambitious projects, such as the construction of grand monuments and stadiums, designed to showcase Indonesia's national pride. These projects, however, often came at the expense of more pressing economic needs. Foreign policy during this period was characterized by a strong anti-imperialist stance. Sukarno aligned Indonesia with other newly independent nations in the Non-Aligned Movement and sought to challenge Western dominance in the world. This led to conflicts with Western powers, particularly the Netherlands, over the issue of West Papua (now Papua). The era of Guided Democracy was a complex and contradictory period in Indonesian history. It brought some stability and a sense of national purpose, but it also came at the cost of democracy and individual freedoms. It's a period that continues to be studied and debated, as it shaped the course of modern Indonesia.

Criticisms and Controversies

The Presidential Decree of 1959 wasn't without its critics. Many people felt that it was an undemocratic power grab by President Sukarno. They argued that the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly was a blow to the principles of democracy and that the reinstatement of the 1945 Constitution gave the President too much power. Opponents of the decree also pointed to the suppression of political opposition and the curtailment of civil liberties as evidence of Sukarno's authoritarian tendencies. They argued that the MPRS and DPAS were not truly representative bodies and that they simply served to legitimize Sukarno's policies. Some regional leaders also resented the centralization of power in Jakarta and felt that their regions were being neglected. They accused Sukarno's government of being insensitive to local needs and concerns. There were also criticisms of Sukarno's economic policies, which were seen as unsustainable and ineffective. Critics pointed to the high levels of inflation and poverty as evidence of the government's economic mismanagement. The controversies surrounding the Presidential Decree of 1959 reflect the deep divisions within Indonesian society at the time. While some saw the decree as a necessary step to restore stability and unity, others viewed it as a betrayal of the country's democratic ideals. These debates continue to this day, as historians and political scientists grapple with the legacy of Sukarno and the era of Guided Democracy.

Legacy and Significance

Okay, fast forward to today, what's the legacy of the Presidential Decree of 1959? It's a mixed bag, for sure. On the one hand, it's seen as a turning point towards a more authoritarian style of governance in Indonesia. The concentration of power in the hands of the President set a precedent that would have lasting effects on the country's political system. The suppression of political opposition and the curtailment of civil liberties during the era of Guided Democracy left a scar on Indonesia's democratic development. However, the decree also played a role in stabilizing the country during a period of crisis. It provided a framework for addressing the political and economic challenges that Indonesia faced in the late 1950s. It helped to promote a sense of national unity and purpose, which was essential for a young nation still finding its way. The Presidential Decree of 1959 remains a significant event in Indonesian history. It's a reminder of the challenges that the country has faced in its journey towards democracy and stability. It's also a reminder of the importance of safeguarding civil liberties and ensuring that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few. For anyone studying Indonesian history or politics, understanding the Presidential Decree of 1959 is essential. It provides valuable insights into the complexities of Indonesian society and the ongoing struggle to balance unity, stability, and democracy.