[ADRN Working Paper] Pandemic Crisis and Democratic Governance in Southeast Asia - Part I
2021-04-13
ADRN members from Southeast Asia
ADRN Working Paper
Pandemic
Crisis and Democratic Governance in Southeast Asia
- Part I -
ADRN members from Southeast Asia
- Indonesia & Philippines &
Thailand-
The outbreak of COVID-19 has proven that new forms of threat can heavily affect the
development of democracy as well as democratic practices. COVID-19 is not only
a life-threatening issue; it is also evolving into a problem for the
maintenance and promotion of democracy. In order to address this global issue,
the Asia Democracy Research Network (ADRN) has been conducting research on the Pandemic
Crisis and Democratic Governance based on country cases since 2020. As part of this
research project, EAI has planned a working papers series composed of eleven working
papers, the second set of working papers including the cases of Southeast Asia.
Country Case 4: Indonesia
Pandemic
Crisis and Democratic Governance: Indonesia’s Experience to Conquer COVID 19
Pandemic
Sri Nuryanti, a researcher from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences,explores how Indonesia handled the dilemma of simultaneously containing
COVID-19 and defending democracy. The author illustrates the Indonesian narrative in how the
country was successful in containing the COVID-19 pandemic while hosting the Simultaneous
Local Elections. She asserts that a policy with the least political and economic
repercussions leads to a higher level of trust and societal compliance.
Pandemic Governance in the
Philippines: Democratic Recession and Corruption Risks
Francisco A. Magno, the director of the Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance at De La Salle University, examines
how the governance capacity of the Philippines and corruption were intertwined
amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. He asserts that the insufficient governance
capacity of the Philippine government was further amplified amidst the COVID-19
pandemic. This is reflected in the misuse of PhilHealth funds, the nation’s
limited performance of rule of law, eroding institutional constraints, and
challenges to the freedom of the press. The author claims that the revival of
democratic institutions is crucial in fighting corruption both judiciously and
systematically.
Pandemic Crisis and Democratic
Governance in Thailand
Thawilwadee Bureekul, Ratchawadee
Sangmahamad, and Nuchaprapar Moksart from King Prajadhipok’s Institute, explore the challenges that Thailand faced
amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand’s response, and how the
COVID-19 pandemic altered Thailand’s socio-economic landscape. Initially struck with severe repercussions
that shut down many of its industries and laid off its workers, Thailand has
initiated efforts engaging both the public and the private sector. The authors provide
further policy recommendations they consider necessary in adapting to the
changing socio-economic environment.
