Page 194 - BUKU STRENGTHENING THE INDONESIAN PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY FADLI ZON

First, the explanation which emphasizes that there are functional problems in the parliament
institutions. Among the causes such as the low ability of Members of Parliament to express
their opinions, the decline of quality of the parliamentarian’s candidates, and the inability of
political party to connect civil society with the parliament as a state actor. As a consequence, the
parliaments deserve to the low level of public trust.

Second, the explanation that strongly focuses to the individual factors, such as his/her
personality, status in society, and personal experiences. According to this explanation, factors
such as individual gender, social background, level of education, and economic condition are
central to influence the low level of public trust to the parliament.

And third, the explanation which emphasizes on the influences of systemic, environmental,
and social factors. In regard with this factor, several studies suggests that in states in which the
level of proportionality in the election results is higher, the level of trust is higher than in states
in which the system of elections is majoritarian.

In addition, the effort of parliament to improve its public trust is even harder. Despite the same
status as government institutions, unlike executive branch the parliament body is composed
by parliamentarians with diverse and various background. Therefore, it needs extraordinary
efforts to build strong understanding among parliamentarians for the success of parliamentary
openness.

Parliamentary openness and transparency are necessary element for democracy to function
better. But it is not easy to achieve. Not only because of the low level of public trust in parliaments,
but also because of today’s democracy is experiencing a distinct paradox.

As we may have observed, the early years of the twenty-first century have seen a distinct
paradox between democracy and its practice. On the one hand, we have witnessed the triumph
of democracy in most countries of the world. However, on the other hand it is still found that
democracy in practice rather show a contrast between what has been promised and what has
actually come about. And it makes the problem of public trust in parliament worse.

To address this paradox, I notice that the parliaments have a key role. As pillar of democratic
governance, parliament is the central institution through which the will of the people is
expressed, laws are passed and government is held to account. But, to undertake that role,
parliament itself must align with the principle of democracy. And so in that spirit, another
central question that may arise is what makes a parliament itself democratic?

In order to build a democratic parliament, I argue that there are at least five key characteristics
which every parliament should have. And these five keys are essential. They should be
representative, transparent, accessible, accountable and effective. These are the virtues that
support the parliament to be more responsive to the public needs.

Selected Speeches of the Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia I 181