The Presidential Decree of 1959, also known as Dekrit Presiden 5 Juli 1959, marks a pivotal moment in Indonesian history. This decree, issued by President Sukarno, effectively dissolved the Constitutional Assembly (Konstituante) and reinstated the 1945 Constitution. Understanding the context, content, and consequences of this decree is crucial for anyone studying Indonesian politics and history. Guys, let's dive deep into what made this decree so significant.

Background to the Decree

To fully grasp the importance of the Presidential Decree, it's essential to understand the political climate of Indonesia in the late 1950s. The country was grappling with a period of instability, characterized by political fragmentation and economic challenges. The 1950 Provisional Constitution was in effect, but it led to a multi-party system that often resulted in gridlock and ineffective governance. Different political factions struggled to find common ground, and the Constitutional Assembly, tasked with drafting a new permanent constitution, found itself deadlocked. This environment of political turmoil and constitutional uncertainty paved the way for President Sukarno to take decisive action. Sukarno, who had always advocated for a more centralized and guided democracy, saw the ongoing deadlock as a threat to national unity and stability. Regional rebellions and separatist movements were gaining momentum, fueled by dissatisfaction with the central government and economic disparities. The specter of disintegration loomed large, and Sukarno believed that only a return to the 1945 Constitution, with its stronger presidential powers, could save the nation. The political parties, deeply divided along ideological and regional lines, were unable to forge a consensus, leading to a sense of frustration and impatience among the population. Many Indonesians yearned for strong leadership and a clear direction forward. It was in this atmosphere of crisis and uncertainty that Sukarno decided to issue the Presidential Decree, bypassing the Constitutional Assembly and taking matters into his own hands.

Key Provisions of the Decree

The Presidential Decree of 1959 comprised several key provisions, each designed to address the political and constitutional crisis at hand. The most significant aspect of the decree was the dissolution of the Constitutional Assembly. This assembly, elected in 1955, had been tasked with drafting a new constitution to replace the provisional one. However, after years of debate and deliberation, it had failed to reach a consensus. Sukarno argued that the assembly's inability to produce a new constitution was a sign of its ineffectiveness and that its continued existence was only prolonging the political uncertainty. The decree also reinstated the 1945 Constitution. This constitution, which had been in effect briefly after Indonesia's independence, provided for a stronger executive branch and a more centralized government. Sukarno believed that the 1945 Constitution was better suited to the needs of the country, particularly in a time of crisis. He argued that it would provide the necessary stability and direction to overcome the challenges facing the nation. Furthermore, the decree established the People's Consultative Assembly (Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat or MPR) as the highest state institution. The MPR was responsible for electing the president and vice-president and for determining the broad outlines of state policy. This provision was intended to ensure that the government remained accountable to the people, even with a stronger executive branch. Finally, the decree established the Supreme Advisory Council (Dewan Pertimbangan Agung or DPA), an advisory body to the president. The DPA was composed of representatives from various sectors of society and was intended to provide the president with expert advice on matters of national importance. Each of these provisions was carefully crafted to address the specific challenges facing Indonesia at the time and to create a more stable and effective system of government.

Justification and Rationale

Sukarno justified the issuance of the Presidential Decree on several grounds. Firstly, he argued that the political situation in Indonesia had reached a critical point, with the country on the verge of disintegration. Regional rebellions and separatist movements were threatening national unity, and the government seemed powerless to address them. Sukarno believed that decisive action was necessary to prevent the country from falling apart. Secondly, he contended that the Constitutional Assembly had failed in its mission to draft a new constitution. After years of deliberation, the assembly remained deadlocked, unable to reach a consensus on even the most basic principles. Sukarno argued that the assembly's continued existence was only prolonging the political uncertainty and that it was time to move on. Thirdly, Sukarno maintained that the 1945 Constitution was the most appropriate framework for governing Indonesia. He argued that it provided for a strong and stable government, capable of addressing the challenges facing the nation. He also believed that the 1945 Constitution was more in line with the spirit of the Indonesian Revolution and the ideals of national unity and independence. Sukarno's rationale was rooted in his belief that Indonesia needed strong leadership and a clear direction to overcome its challenges. He saw himself as the only leader capable of providing that leadership and guiding the country towards a brighter future. He also believed that the 1945 Constitution, with its emphasis on national unity and strong executive powers, was the best tool for achieving that goal. However, his actions were not without controversy, as critics accused him of authoritarianism and undermining the principles of democracy.

Reactions and Responses

The Presidential Decree of 1959 elicited a wide range of reactions from different segments of Indonesian society. Supporters of Sukarno and his vision of guided democracy generally welcomed the decree, seeing it as a necessary step to restore stability and unity to the country. They believed that the 1945 Constitution provided a strong framework for governance and that Sukarno's leadership was essential to overcome the challenges facing Indonesia. Nationalist groups and elements within the military also supported the decree, viewing it as a way to strengthen the central government and suppress regional rebellions. However, the decree also faced significant opposition, particularly from political parties that had been sidelined by Sukarno's actions. These parties, including the Masyumi Party and the Socialist Party of Indonesia (PSI), accused Sukarno of authoritarianism and of undermining the principles of democracy. They argued that the dissolution of the Constitutional Assembly was a violation of the people's right to participate in the drafting of a new constitution. Intellectuals and academics also voiced concerns about the decree, warning that it could lead to a concentration of power in the hands of the president and a suppression of dissent. They argued that a return to the 1945 Constitution would stifle political pluralism and limit the freedoms of expression and association. The international community also reacted to the decree with mixed feelings. Some countries, particularly those with strong ties to Sukarno, expressed understanding for his actions, while others voiced concerns about the potential for authoritarianism. The United States, in particular, was wary of Sukarno's growing ties with communist countries and his increasingly nationalistic policies. Overall, the Presidential Decree of 1959 was a highly controversial measure that divided Indonesian society and sparked a national debate about the future of democracy in the country.

Consequences and Impact

The Presidential Decree of 1959 had far-reaching consequences for Indonesian politics and society. Perhaps the most immediate impact was the establishment of Guided Democracy (Demokrasi Terpimpin), a political system in which President Sukarno held considerable power. Under Guided Democracy, Sukarno centralized authority, suppressed political opposition, and promoted a nationalist ideology. Political parties were weakened, and the military gained increasing influence in the government. The decree also led to a period of political stability, as Sukarno was able to suppress regional rebellions and consolidate his control over the country. However, this stability came at the cost of political freedom and democratic participation. Freedom of the press was curtailed, and political dissent was often met with repression. Economically, the period following the decree was marked by increasing state intervention and nationalization of key industries. Sukarno pursued a policy of economic nationalism, aimed at reducing foreign influence and promoting self-reliance. However, these policies often led to inefficiency and corruption, and the Indonesian economy struggled to grow. Socially, the decree led to a greater emphasis on national identity and cultural unity. Sukarno promoted a vision of Indonesian nationalism that emphasized the country's shared history, culture, and destiny. However, this emphasis on national unity sometimes came at the expense of regional and ethnic diversity. In the long term, the Presidential Decree of 1959 laid the foundation for the authoritarian rule of Sukarno, which lasted until his downfall in 1966. The decree also had a lasting impact on the Indonesian Constitution, as the 1945 Constitution remains in effect to this day, albeit with several amendments. Guys, the legacy of the decree continues to be debated and re-evaluated by historians and political scientists, but there is no doubt that it was a turning point in Indonesian history.

Legacy and Significance Today

The Presidential Decree of 1959 continues to be a subject of debate and analysis in Indonesia. Its legacy is complex and multifaceted, with both positive and negative aspects. On the one hand, the decree is credited with restoring stability to Indonesia during a period of crisis and preventing the country from disintegrating. It also laid the foundation for a strong and unified national identity. On the other hand, the decree is criticized for ushering in an era of authoritarian rule and suppressing political freedoms. Sukarno's Guided Democracy, which was established in the wake of the decree, is often seen as a period of political repression and economic mismanagement. The decree also raises fundamental questions about the balance between stability and democracy, and the role of the executive branch in a democratic system. Some argue that Sukarno's actions were necessary to save the country from collapse, while others maintain that they were a violation of democratic principles. Today, the 1945 Constitution, which was reinstated by the decree, remains in effect in Indonesia. However, it has been amended several times since then, particularly after the fall of Suharto in 1998. These amendments have aimed to strengthen democratic institutions and protect human rights. The legacy of the Presidential Decree of 1959 serves as a reminder of the challenges of building and maintaining democracy in a diverse and complex society. It also underscores the importance of finding a balance between strong leadership and democratic accountability. As Indonesia continues to evolve as a democratic nation, it is essential to learn from the past and to ensure that the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are upheld.