Sukarno Dissolves Indonesian Parliament for DPR-GR

March 5th, 1960

March 5th, 1960

Sukarno Dissolves Indonesian Parliament for DPR-GR
How Long Ago?

65 years, 10 days ago

Location

Indonesia

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Sukarno
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Sukarno Dissolves Indonesian Parliament for DPR-GR

Indonesian President Sukarno dismissed the Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat, the democratically elected parliament established in 1955, and replaced it with the Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Gotong Royong (DPR-GR). This new parliament was composed of members specifically appointed by Sukarno, marking a significant shift in Indonesia's political landscape. The change aimed to consolidate power and facilitate his guided democracy concept, reflecting Sukarno's desire for greater control over the government and its policies.

DPR established in 1955, dissolved in 1960.

New parliament DPR-GR consisted of Sukarno's appointees.

Shift marked the transition to guided democracy.

Event reflects Sukarno's authoritarian political trajectory.

What Happened?

In the landscape of Indonesia's political realm during the late 1950s, President Sukarno embarked on a pivotal transition that would alter the governance structure of the country. The Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR), established in 1955 as a representative body following Indonesia's independence, was described as a democratically elected parliament. However, Sukarno perceived the existing DPR as a barrier to his vision of a unified and stable nation. On March 5, 1960, he took the decisive step of dissolving this parliamentary body and instituted the Deklarasi Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Gotong Royong (DPR-GR), or the Council of Mutual Assistance.The DPR-GR was inherently different from its predecessor, as its members were not elected but rather appointed by Sukarno himself. This appointment process meant that the assembly would be more aligned with Sukarno's political ideology and goals. The justification for this change was rooted in Sukarno's push for a form of governance he termed 'guided democracy,' which aimed to create a strong state apparatus capable of overcoming political factionalism and internal divisions. This move was viewed as an attempt to suppress dissent and render the parliament more amenable to Sukarno's objectives, including his nationalist and anti-colonial agenda.The shift to DPR-GR had significant ramifications for Indonesia. It signified a departure from democratic processes and showcased Sukarno’s increasing authoritarian tendencies. The lack of elected representatives meant that the parliament had diminished legitimacy in the eyes of the populace and eroded the democratic principles that had begun to take root in post-colonial Indonesia. As Sukarno further entrenched his power, Indonesia would navigate a period marked by political turmoil, economic challenges, and social unrest that would ultimately lead to significant changes in the nation's leadership and political system in the years to follow.

Why Does it Matter?

The dissolution of the DPR was significant as it marked a clear transition from democratic governance towards centralized authority under Sukarno. This move not only curtailed political plurality but also set the stage for a more authoritarian regime where dissent was stifled and opposition marginalized. The establishment of DPR-GR and Sukarno's subsequent policies reflected the fraught political landscape of Indonesia, ultimately resulting in deeper governance challenges as the country struggled with legitimacy and representation.

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