The Presidential Decree of 1959, also known as Dekrit Presiden 5 Juli 1959, stands as a pivotal moment in Indonesian history. Guys, understanding this decree is super important because it marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape. It effectively dismantled the Provisional Constitution of 1950 and reinstated the 1945 Constitution. This move wasn't just a simple change of documents; it was a response to the political instability and constitutional gridlock that Indonesia was facing at the time. The decree was issued by President Sukarno, who argued that it was necessary to bring the nation back from the brink of disintegration.

Before we dive deeper, let’s set the stage. Indonesia in the late 1950s was a hotbed of political tension. The parliamentary system, which was in place under the 1950 Constitution, was struggling. Cabinets were collapsing frequently, and no single political party could gain a clear majority. This led to a chaotic environment where policymaking was almost impossible. Regional rebellions were brewing, and the threat of national disintegration was very real. Sukarno, with his charismatic leadership and vision of a unified Indonesia, saw the need for drastic action. He believed that returning to the 1945 Constitution, with its stronger emphasis on presidential power, was the only way to stabilize the country. This constitution, drafted during the final months of World War II and the early days of Indonesian independence, envisioned a more centralized government. Sukarno felt it was better suited to guide Indonesia through its post-colonial challenges. The decree, therefore, wasn't just about changing constitutions; it was about reshaping the entire political structure of Indonesia to address the pressing issues of the time and ensure the nation's survival.

Background to the Decree

To fully grasp the significance of the Presidential Decree of 1959, we need to delve into the historical backdrop that led to its issuance. The period following Indonesia's independence in 1945 was marked by considerable political turbulence. The initial years saw the country grappling with the challenges of establishing a stable government while simultaneously fending off attempts by the Dutch to reclaim their colonial possessions. The Round Table Conference in 1949 led to the recognition of Indonesia as an independent nation, but it also resulted in the adoption of a federal system under the Republic of the United States of Indonesia (RIS). This federal structure proved to be short-lived, as it faced resistance from various factions who favored a unitary state. By 1950, the RIS was dissolved, and the Provisional Constitution of 1950 was adopted, ushering in a parliamentary system.

However, the parliamentary system under the 1950 Constitution soon revealed its inherent weaknesses. The multi-party system, while democratic in principle, led to a fragmented political landscape. No single party could secure a majority, resulting in unstable coalition governments that frequently collapsed. Cabinets rose and fell with alarming regularity, hindering effective governance and policymaking. This political instability was further exacerbated by regional tensions and separatist movements. Various regions felt marginalized by the central government in Jakarta, leading to armed rebellions and demands for greater autonomy. The Permesta rebellion in Sulawesi and the PRRI rebellion in Sumatra were prominent examples of these regional uprisings, threatening the unity of the nation. Amidst this turmoil, President Sukarno grew increasingly disillusioned with the parliamentary system. He believed that it was ill-suited to Indonesia's unique circumstances and that it was contributing to the country's fragmentation. Sukarno advocated for a return to the 1945 Constitution, which vested greater power in the presidency. He argued that a strong, centralized leadership was necessary to overcome the political gridlock and maintain national unity. The Constituent Assembly, tasked with drafting a new permanent constitution, was deadlocked and unable to reach a consensus. This impasse further fueled Sukarno's determination to take decisive action. He saw the Presidential Decree as the only way to break the deadlock and steer Indonesia out of its political crisis. This backdrop of political instability, regional tensions, and constitutional deadlock provides the context for understanding the issuance of the Presidential Decree of 1959 and its far-reaching consequences for Indonesian politics.

Key Provisions of the Decree

The Presidential Decree of 1959 wasn't just a symbolic act; it contained several key provisions that fundamentally reshaped the Indonesian political system. First and foremost, the decree officially revoked the Provisional Constitution of 1950. This meant that the parliamentary system, with its frequent changes in government and inherent instability, was abolished. In its place, the decree reinstated the 1945 Constitution. This constitution, originally drafted during the final days of World War II and the early months of Indonesian independence, provided for a presidential system with a stronger executive branch. The President, under the 1945 Constitution, held significant powers, including the authority to appoint and dismiss ministers, dissolve the parliament, and issue regulations with the force of law. This concentration of power in the hands of the President was intended to provide the stability and decisiveness that Sukarno believed were lacking under the parliamentary system.

In addition to reinstating the 1945 Constitution, the decree also dissolved the Constituent Assembly. This assembly, which had been elected in 1955, was tasked with drafting a new permanent constitution for Indonesia. However, after years of deliberation, the assembly remained deadlocked, unable to reach a consensus on key issues. Sukarno viewed the assembly's failure as further evidence of the ineffectiveness of the existing political system. By dissolving the assembly, the decree eliminated a major obstacle to Sukarno's vision of a return to the 1945 Constitution. Furthermore, the decree stipulated the formation of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPRS) and the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA). The MPRS was designated as the highest state institution, with the power to determine the broad outlines of state policy and elect the President. However, in practice, the MPRS was largely subordinate to Sukarno, who exercised considerable influence over its composition and decisions. The DPA, on the other hand, was established as an advisory body to the President, providing counsel on matters of state policy. These institutions, along with the reinstatement of the 1945 Constitution, formed the foundation of Sukarno's Guided Democracy system, which centralized power in the hands of the President and limited the role of political parties and other independent organizations. The key provisions of the Presidential Decree of 1959, therefore, marked a decisive shift away from parliamentary democracy towards a more authoritarian form of government under Sukarno's leadership.

Impact and Consequences

The Presidential Decree of 1959 had profound and far-reaching consequences for Indonesia, reshaping its political, social, and economic landscape. One of the most immediate impacts was the consolidation of power in the hands of President Sukarno. With the reinstatement of the 1945 Constitution, Sukarno gained extensive authority, allowing him to govern with minimal constraints. He appointed and dismissed ministers at will, dissolved the parliament, and issued regulations with the force of law. This concentration of power enabled Sukarno to implement his vision of Guided Democracy, a system that centralized decision-making and limited the role of political parties and other independent organizations. Under Guided Democracy, Sukarno promoted a national ideology known as Nasakom, which sought to unite the diverse elements of Indonesian society under the principles of nationalism, religion, and communism. Nasakom became the guiding force behind government policies and was used to suppress dissent and opposition.

Economically, the decree led to increased state intervention in the economy. Sukarno nationalized key industries and implemented policies aimed at achieving economic self-sufficiency. However, these policies often resulted in inefficiency, corruption, and economic stagnation. The country faced high inflation, shortages of essential goods, and a decline in living standards. Socially, the decree led to a period of relative stability, as Sukarno's government suppressed regional rebellions and maintained order. However, this stability came at the cost of political freedom and human rights. Opposition figures were imprisoned or exiled, and freedom of speech and assembly were severely curtailed. The press was censored, and political activities were tightly controlled. The decree also had a significant impact on Indonesia's foreign policy. Sukarno pursued a policy of non-alignment, seeking to distance Indonesia from both the Western and Eastern blocs during the Cold War. He forged close ties with other developing nations and became a prominent leader of the Non-Aligned Movement. However, Sukarno's increasingly anti-Western rhetoric and his support for communist movements in Southeast Asia strained Indonesia's relations with the United States and other Western powers. The Konfrontasi conflict with Malaysia, which began in 1963, further isolated Indonesia and exacerbated its economic problems. The Presidential Decree of 1959, therefore, had a transformative impact on Indonesia, ushering in a period of centralized rule, economic nationalism, and non-aligned foreign policy. While it brought initial stability, it also laid the groundwork for future political and economic challenges. The long-term consequences of the decree continue to shape Indonesian society and politics to this day.

Criticisms and Controversies

The Presidential Decree of 1959 was not without its critics and controversies. From the outset, the decree faced opposition from various political factions who questioned its legality and its impact on Indonesian democracy. One of the main criticisms centered on the constitutionality of the decree itself. Opponents argued that Sukarno had exceeded his authority by unilaterally dissolving the Constituent Assembly and reinstating the 1945 Constitution. They contended that such actions should have been taken by the Assembly, which had been elected by the people to draft a new constitution. By bypassing the Assembly, Sukarno was accused of undermining the democratic process and violating the principles of constitutionalism. Furthermore, critics raised concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of the President under the 1945 Constitution. They argued that the constitution provided for a strong executive branch with limited checks and balances, which could lead to authoritarian rule. The decree, therefore, was seen as a step towards dictatorship and a betrayal of the ideals of democracy and popular sovereignty.

Another major controversy surrounding the decree was its impact on political freedom and human rights. Under Sukarno's Guided Democracy, opposition parties were suppressed, and freedom of speech and assembly were curtailed. Many political opponents were imprisoned or exiled, and the press was censored. Critics argued that the decree had created a climate of fear and intimidation, stifling dissent and undermining the rule of law. The implementation of the Nasakom ideology also drew criticism. While Sukarno presented Nasakom as a unifying force, critics saw it as a tool for political repression. The ideology was used to justify the suppression of dissenting voices and to promote Sukarno's cult of personality. The close ties between Sukarno and the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) also raised concerns among anti-communist factions. They feared that Sukarno was leading Indonesia towards communism and that the PKI was gaining too much influence in the government. These criticisms and controversies surrounding the Presidential Decree of 1959 highlight the complex and contested nature of Indonesian politics during the Sukarno era. While the decree brought initial stability and enabled Sukarno to implement his vision of Guided Democracy, it also came at the cost of political freedom and democratic principles. The legacy of the decree continues to be debated and reinterpreted in Indonesian society today.

Conclusion

The Presidential Decree of 1959 remains a landmark event in Indonesian history, one that continues to be debated and analyzed. It represented a decisive moment when President Sukarno sought to steer the nation away from the perceived chaos of parliamentary democracy towards a more centralized, presidential system. While the decree succeeded in bringing a period of relative stability and unity, it also marked the beginning of a more authoritarian era in Indonesian politics.

By reinstating the 1945 Constitution and dissolving the Constituent Assembly, Sukarno consolidated power in his own hands and implemented his vision of Guided Democracy. This system, while intended to promote national unity and development, also led to the suppression of political opposition and the curtailment of civil liberties. The decree's impact on Indonesia's political landscape was profound and long-lasting. It laid the foundation for Sukarno's rule, which lasted until 1967, and shaped the country's political trajectory for decades to come. Even today, the legacy of the decree continues to be felt in Indonesian society and politics.

Understanding the Presidential Decree of 1959 is crucial for comprehending the complexities of Indonesian history. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by newly independent nations in balancing the ideals of democracy with the need for stability and unity. The decree also highlights the importance of constitutionalism and the rule of law in safeguarding individual rights and preventing the abuse of power. As Indonesia continues to evolve and navigate the challenges of the 21st century, the lessons learned from the Presidential Decree of 1959 remain relevant and important. Guys, always remember this key moment in Indonesian history!