Indonesia

After Indonesia decided in 1998 to end 40 years of military rule, the transition from authoritarian rule to democracy presented unique challenges. The Carter Center monitored the first genuinely democratic elections for the legislature in 1999, which needed to happen before a new president could be elected. That was the first in a number of elections we observed.

The Center deployed international observers to monitor the July 2004 presidential election, as well as the runoff that September. We also sent a few teams of long-term observers, and a number of short-term observers, to monitor Indonesia’s 2009 legislative elections. 

As Indonesians gained new political freedoms, our observers watched as the processes unfolded, flagged concerns, listened to complaints, made recommendations for improvements, and pushed for transparency – all in an effort to help strengthen democracy. 

View Carter Center election reports for Indonesia.