Indonesia


Constitutional Background

The Constitution of Aug 1945 has been restored in 1959; the document is not yet available as an ICL-edition. Former president Suharto was, with 30 years of rulership, one of the longest lasting autocrats in the world. The army is guaranteed a political role by the constitution.

History and News

  • 1997-1998: Economic collapse.
  • 29 May 1997: Parliamentary elections. The government cannot force people to cast their ballots, but it has declared any organized boycott campaign to be illegal.
  • 1 Aug 1996: Violent demonstrations arose around the Megawati removal; 250 arrests, 90 injuries, 3 casualties.
  • June 1996: Government-backed party opposition removed Megawati Sukarnoputri from office in June 1996.
  • April 1996: Suharto's wife and political confidante dies.
  • 28 Sep 1995: President Suharto and his Chief Prosecutor prohibit the publication of "Memoirs of Oei Tjoe Tat: President Sukarno's Assistant".
  • 1991: Dili-incidend; Indonesian army shoots about 100 people during a demonstration in East Timor's capital Dili.
  • 8 June 1992: Parliamentary elections result in Golkar 68% (282 out of 400 civil seats), PPP 17% (62), and PDI 15% (56); 100 seats are reserved for the military.
  • Dec 1975: East Timor is being swallowed by Indonesia after Portuguese rule collapsed.
  • 1974: Anti-Minority riots lead to destruction of Japanese factories during a visit of the Japanese Prime Minister.
  • 1965: President Sukarno is repaced by Suharto after a civil uprising.
  • 1959: 1945 Constitution restored.
  • Aug 1945: Constitution adopted.
  • 17 Aug 1945: Proclamation of independence from the Netherlands.

For methodology see: Comparing Constitutions and International Constitutional Law.
© 1994 - 11.2.2022 / For corrections please contact A. Tschentscher.