The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Promoting Social and Political Change in Indonesia

Yudi Rusfiana; Dewi  Kurniasih

doi:10.29333/ejecs/2154

Authors

Yudi Rusfiana Institut Pemertintahan Dalam Negeri https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3997-1528
Dewi Kurniasih https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4921-2093

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/2154

Keywords:

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Democratic Governance, Societal progress, Social Justic

Abstract

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) serve as vital pillars of societal progress, fostering transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance while advocating for human rights, social justice, and environmental sustainability. This study investigates the role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in promoting social and political change in Indonesia.

Employing a qualitative research design, data were collected through document analysis and in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, identifying patterns and themes related to CSO strategies, interactions with the state, impact on policy, and challenges

CSOs in Indonesia employ diverse advocacy strategies, including lobbying, public campaigns, grassroots mobilization, and coalition-building, to advance social and political change. They engage with policymakers and government agencies to influence legislation and shape policies. Despite facing challenges, CSOs are crucial in promoting government accountability, transparency, and civic engagement. Recognizing the vital role of CSOs in promoting democratic governance and social justice can foster greater collaboration between civil society, government, and the international community. This study contributes to political science, social sciences, and development studies by offering a comprehensive examination of the role of CSOs in Indonesia. It fills a significant gap in the academic literature by systematically analyzing CSOs’ strategies, interactions, impacts, and challenges, providing valuable insights for future research and policy development. Additionally, it underscores the importance of civil society in promoting democratic governance and social change in emerging democracies.

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Author Biographies

Yudi Rusfiana, Institut Pemertintahan Dalam Negeri

Yudi Rusfiana is currently as vice rector for student affairs of Institut Pemerintahan Dalam Negeri, Jatinangor, Indonesia. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Universitas Langlangbuana, Bandung, Indonesia, in 1997, majoring in Governance Science, a master’s degree in administration sciences at Universitas Padjajaran, Bandung, Indonesia,in 2004, and Doctoral Degree in Social and Political Sciences in 2014 at Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. He is regarded as one of Indonesia's premier social and political researchers.

Dewi Kurniasih

Dewi Kurniasih obtained a bachelor's degree in social sciences (S.Sos) in government science, a Master of Science (M.Si) degree in Sociology, and a Doctoral degree (Dr) in Sociology from Universitas Padjadjaran Bandung in 1998, 2004, and 2011 respectively. Currently working as a Permanent Lecturer at the Government Science Study Program at Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Bandung.

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