IRI Co-hosts Strengthening Indonesian Political Parties Conference

July 5, 2002

IRI cosponsored a national political party conference, "Strengthening Indonesian Political Parties", June 12-14, in Jakarta, Indonesia with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). The 188 participants were drawn from the seven largest political parties in Indonesia and 10 provinces.

A noted Muslim cleric, Indonesian political scientists, democratic leaders from Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines and IRI/NDI/IFES staff trainers addressed the audience. The diversity of opinion and experience inspired lively discussion and debate among the Indonesian participants.

A series of focus groups with Indonesian political party activists was conducted in preparation for the conference. Three findings are of particular interest: (1) the business community is not drawn to political parties using religion as a central principle; (2) female party members believe their parties fail to promote the role of women in politics; and (3) all parties are dependent upon the government for funding.

###

A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democracy worldwide