The Presidential Decree of 1959, guys, represents a pivotal moment in Indonesian history. Officially known as Dekret Presiden 5 Juli 1959, this decree marked a return to the 1945 Constitution and the abandonment of the Provisional Constitution of 1950. Understanding the context, implications, and long-term effects of this decree is crucial for anyone studying Indonesian politics and history. So, let's dive in and break down what it all means!

Background to the Decree

To truly grasp the significance of the Presidential Decree, we need to understand the circumstances leading up to it. The period following Indonesia's independence was marked by political instability. The Provisional Constitution of 1950 had established a liberal democracy, but this system proved unwieldy for a nation still finding its footing. Frequent changes in government, coupled with regional rebellions and separatist movements, created a sense of crisis. The Konstituante, a constituent assembly tasked with drafting a new permanent constitution, was deadlocked and unable to reach a consensus after years of deliberation. This political paralysis threatened the very unity of Indonesia.

The main issue at the time was the intense debate between different political factions regarding the ideological foundation of the state. Nationalist, religious, and communist groups all vied for influence, and their conflicting visions made it impossible to create a constitution that satisfied everyone. The situation was further complicated by the ongoing regional rebellions, such as the PRRI (Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia) and Permesta movements, which challenged the central government's authority. These rebellions were fueled by economic disparities and a sense of marginalization in the regions. President Sukarno, increasingly frustrated with the political gridlock, saw the return to the 1945 Constitution as the only way to restore stability and unity. The 1945 Constitution, with its stronger presidential powers, seemed better equipped to handle the challenges facing the nation. Sukarno believed that a guided democracy, led by a strong executive, was necessary to overcome the political divisions and promote national development. This idea gained traction among some political factions, particularly the military, who were also concerned about the deteriorating security situation. However, it also faced strong opposition from those who feared a return to authoritarianism.

The Issuance of the Decree

On July 5, 1959, President Sukarno issued the Presidential Decree. This wasn't just some minor policy change; it was a bold move that reshaped the political landscape of Indonesia. The decree formally dissolved the Konstituante and reinstated the 1945 Constitution. Sukarno argued that the Konstituante had failed to fulfill its mandate and that the country was on the brink of collapse due to political infighting. The 1945 Constitution, with its emphasis on centralized power and national unity, was presented as the solution to these problems. In his speech, Sukarno emphasized the need for a 'guided democracy' and a return to the spirit of the revolution. The decree was met with mixed reactions. Some welcomed it as a necessary step to restore order and stability, while others viewed it as a power grab by Sukarno. The military, led by General Abdul Haris Nasution, largely supported the decree, seeing it as a way to strengthen the government's hand in dealing with the regional rebellions. However, many civilian politicians, particularly those from the Masyumi and PSI parties, opposed the decree, fearing that it would lead to authoritarian rule. Despite the opposition, the decree was implemented swiftly and decisively. The Konstituante was disbanded, and the 1945 Constitution was reinstated. Sukarno consolidated his power, and the era of Guided Democracy began.

Key Provisions of the Decree

The Presidential Decree of 1959 wasn't just a symbolic act; it had concrete implications for the structure of Indonesian governance. The most important aspect was, of course, the reinstatement of the 1945 Constitution. This constitution differed significantly from the Provisional Constitution of 1950. It established a presidential system with a strong executive branch. The president, as head of state and head of government, held considerable power. The decree also stipulated the establishment of the Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat Sementara (MPRS), or Provisional People's Consultative Assembly, and the Dewan Pertimbangan Agung Sementara (DPAS), or Provisional Supreme Advisory Council. These bodies were intended to advise the president and assist in the formulation of state policy. However, in practice, they were largely controlled by Sukarno and his allies. The MPRS, for example, was tasked with drafting state guidelines and electing the president, but its members were appointed by Sukarno. Similarly, the DPAS was composed of representatives from various political and social groups, but its role was primarily advisory, and its recommendations could be ignored by the president. Another key provision of the decree was the reaffirmation of Pancasila as the state ideology. Pancasila, which consists of five principles – Belief in One God, Just and Civilized Humanity, the Unity of Indonesia, Democracy Guided by the Wisdom of Deliberation Among Representatives, and Social Justice – was seen as the foundation of Indonesian nationalism and a unifying force for the diverse archipelago. Sukarno promoted Pancasila as a way to bridge the ideological divides that had plagued the country in the past. However, the interpretation and implementation of Pancasila were often subject to Sukarno's own political agenda.

Impact and Consequences

The Presidential Decree had far-reaching consequences for Indonesia. It marked the beginning of the Guided Democracy period, which lasted until Sukarno's downfall in 1966. This era was characterized by increased centralization of power, the suppression of political opposition, and the rise of Sukarno's cult of personality. On the one hand, the Guided Democracy period did bring a degree of stability to Indonesia after years of political turmoil. Sukarno was able to quell the regional rebellions and maintain the unity of the country. He also launched ambitious development projects, such as the construction of national monuments and infrastructure, aimed at promoting national pride and modernization. However, the Guided Democracy period also had its dark side. Political freedoms were curtailed, and dissenting voices were silenced. The press was censored, and political parties were subjected to increasing government control. Sukarno's close alliance with the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) also alienated many religious and nationalist groups. The PKI gained increasing influence in government and society, which led to growing tensions with the military and other political factions. The economic situation also deteriorated during the Guided Democracy period. Sukarno's focus on political symbolism and grandiose projects came at the expense of sound economic management. Inflation soared, and shortages of essential goods became common. The country became increasingly dependent on foreign aid, particularly from the Soviet Union and China. The Guided Democracy period ultimately ended in tragedy with the coup attempt of 1965 and the subsequent anti-communist purges. These events led to Sukarno's ouster and the rise of Suharto, who established the New Order regime. The legacy of the Presidential Decree of 1959 is therefore complex and contested. While it did bring a period of stability, it also paved the way for authoritarianism and political repression.

Long-Term Significance

Looking back, the Presidential Decree of 1959 remains a subject of debate among historians and political scientists. Some argue that it was a necessary measure to save Indonesia from disintegration, while others view it as a step towards authoritarian rule. Regardless of one's perspective, it's undeniable that the decree had a profound and lasting impact on Indonesian politics and society. The return to the 1945 Constitution shaped the structure of government for decades to come. The emphasis on presidential power and centralized control continued under the New Order regime and has influenced Indonesian politics even after the transition to democracy in 1998. The legacy of Guided Democracy also continues to shape political discourse in Indonesia. The debates over the role of the state, the balance between individual freedoms and national unity, and the interpretation of Pancasila are still relevant today. Understanding the historical context of the Presidential Decree of 1959 is therefore essential for understanding contemporary Indonesian politics. It provides valuable insights into the challenges of nation-building, the complexities of democratization, and the enduring tensions between different political ideologies in Indonesia. The decree serves as a reminder of the importance of constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the protection of political freedoms. It also highlights the dangers of unchecked presidential power and the need for strong democratic institutions to ensure accountability and transparency.

In conclusion, the Presidential Decree of 1959 was a watershed moment in Indonesian history. It marked a decisive shift in the country's political trajectory and had far-reaching consequences for its development. By understanding the background, provisions, impact, and long-term significance of this decree, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the complexities of Indonesian politics and the challenges of building a stable and democratic nation. It's a crucial piece of the puzzle for anyone seeking to understand Indonesia's past, present, and future. You got this, guys!