Mass Media and Politics: The Future Role of Media in Indonesian Democracy

Spread across a chain of thousands of islands between Asia and Australia, and with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia is quickly becoming a major player in East Asia. Since holding its first direct presidential elections in 2004, and the loosening of government controls, Indonesia has seen the number of mass media organizations grow exponentially. Many experts see the media as playing the role of the “fourth pillar” in its new democracy, offering Indonesia as a role-model for the rest of Southeast Asia. Others have criticized the media, saying it has simply furthered business and political interests while failing in its role to provide political education to its public. 

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Washington D.C. and The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in San Francisco, in cooperation with the World Affairs Council, will host an expert panel to discuss what the role the Indonesian media has in the process of consolidating democracy.