Democracy Indonesian-style

April 15, 2011

Indonesia freed itself from the grip of dictatorship more than a decade ago to become the world's third largest democracy. Corruption and violence remain serious issues, but the country also has a vibrant civil society. And as the world's most populous Muslim nation, Indonesia offers an example of how Islam and democracy go hand in hand. Al Jazeera's Step Vaessen reports from Yogyakarta on the Indonesian success story.

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Indonesia

Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 17,508 islands. It has 34 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a r... Explore this topic

Democracy

Democracy is a form of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy allows eligible citizens to participate equally—either directly or through elected representatives—in the proposal, development, and creation ... Explore this topic

Civil society

The meaning of the term civil society is contested. It is sometimes considered to include the family and the private sphere, and referred to as the "third sector" of society, distinct from government and business. Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon defines civil society as ... Explore this topic

Islam and democracy

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Muslim

A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the Qur'an—which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad—and, with lesser authority than the Qur'an, the teachings and practices of Muhammad as ... Explore this topic

Al Jazeera English

Al Jazeera English is an international 24-hour English-language news and current affairs TV channel headquartered in Doha, Qatar. It is the sister channel of the Arabic-language Al Jazeera. The station broadcasts news features and analysis, documentaries, live debates, current... Explore this topic

Also See

Indonesia

Democracy

Civil society

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