December 30, 2025 | 03:21 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Fundamentally, democracy is a government system based on people's sovereignty. Power comes from the people, is exercised via the people's mandate and for the benefit of the people. This principle distinguishes democracy from other forms of government, such as monarchies- regimes born without public legitimacy where power is passed through hereditary succession.
In a democracy, the legitimacy of power comes from the people as the holders of supreme sovereignty who give mandates to public officials through a constitutional election mechanism. Therefore, no official has the right to make political decisions without public mandates. In a democratic system, decisions made to govern a state are referred to as political decisions.
Democracy also demands a clear separation between political institutions and professional administration. Political institutions have the right to formulate and enact policies, whereas professional administration institutions implement these policies. In this framework, the military is positioned as a professional institution to execute national defense policies established by political authorities.
Because they are not elected by the public, military leaders lack the legitimacy to make political decisions-particularly initial decisions on the deployment or use of armed force. That authority rests exclusively with officials mandated by the people. This principle lies at the core of civilian supremacy in civil military relations.
Bangladesh's First Woman PM Khaleda Zia Dies at 80
4 jam lalu
Bangladesh's first woman prime minister, Khaleda Zia, who was once praised for restoring democracy and empowering millions of women, has died.
Debunking Military Myths in Democracy
5 jam lalu
Not only is the military's presence increasingly rampant in civilian institutions, but military-style thinking is also spreading.
Today's Top 3 News: Police Install 76 Starlink Units in Flood-Hit Areas of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra
21 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Today's Top 3 News: Prabowo: Western Democracy May Be Unfit for Indonesia
22 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Prabowo: Western Democracy May Be Unfit for Indonesia
24 hari lalu
President Prabowo says Indonesia must have its own unique politics as Western democracy may not be suitable for the country.
Governments Are Hiding Data, Threatening Democracy. Here's How it Affects You
26 hari lalu
Authoritarian governments such as Venezuela, Indonesia, or the Philippines have long treated data as a political weapon.
Millions of Americans Protest Against Trump in 'No Kings' Rallies: What's the Reason?
20 Oktober 2025
Millions of Americans took to the streets to protest against the authoritarian tendencies of President Donald Trump and the erosion of democratic norms under his government.
National Police Chief Says Indonesia's August Unrest Worries Investors
30 September 2025
The National Police Chief said the protests that led to riots last month resulted in significant losses.
Palace Supports "Democracy Square" at Parliament for Demonstration
15 September 2025
The proposal for this special space for demonstrations was put forth by Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai.
Brazil: Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years for Attempted Coup
12 September 2025
Brazil's Supreme Court justices voted to convict far-right former Brazilian leader Bolsonaro of trying to overturn his election defeat in 2022.
