The Public Virtue Research Institute (PVRI), a democracy research and study organization, asks the government and the House of Representatives to address the deteriorating democratization in Indonesia in view of the weakening of safe public spaces for criticism, the disappearance of opposition in the House, and the loss of electoral integrity compared to previous years.

PVRI chairman Usman Hamid said that Indonesia's democracy has reached its lowest point. "This didn’t happen overnight. The rapid decline of our democracy today is the result of years of reinforcing state collusion and oligarchy, which have now co-opted the largest civil society force − religion," Usman said in a statement on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

He expressed concern over the rising militarism amid high economic inequality, which he fears could lead to the consolidation of fascism in Indonesia. This includes the involvement of the military in government affairs and socioeconomic programs, the establishment of battalions in a number of regions to handle agricultural issues (a non-defense matter), and the military's cyber patrols monitoring citizens' conversations. The latest measure is the mandatory airing of government political advertisements in cinemas that highlight government achievements.

"All of these shows that the state is using democracy as a façade, but in reality, it is leaning toward authoritarian fascism," Usman cited.

PVRI researcher Muhammad Naziful Haq further expanded on the issue, saying: "The problem is much broader. The oligarchic structure has shaped a culture and mentality that keeps the 'New Order' alive, even in the post-Reforms era of 1998. The anatomy of our political institutions may be democratic, but the logic of their execution remains hierarchical, patron-client, transactional, and centralized."

Nazif also cited, "When this culture and practice meet political opportunities that expand power, the shame over incompetence and rigidity disappears. Meritocracy as a filter for selecting qualified candidates has disappeared from the system, which is considered democratic. This is crucial for maintaining social control."

Since 2007, September 15 has been recognized as International Democracy Day, marking its 18th anniversary in 2025. This year’s International Democracy Day is marked by various democratic eruptions across the globe, including in Indonesia. However, the common thread is the persistent extreme inequality and lack of political ethics, leading to public anger and demands for reform, both at the regime and structural levels.

This year’s International Democracy Day should serve as a moment to renew commitment to the values of democracy, which have recently been contradictory between the rhetoric and the reality of the country's leaders.

Nazif emphasized that International Democracy Day 2025 must not be reduced to an annual ceremonial event. "This is the time for civil society, academics, the media, and all citizens to demand the restoration of authentic political participation, uphold ethics in governance, and reject any form of fascist strengthening within the democratic system."

"Democracy can only thrive as long as we are brave enough to challenge it from within, correct the ingrained deviations, and reclaim the meaning of popular sovereignty, freeing it from the dark alliance between the state, oligarchs, and religion that has gained strength," Nazif concluded.