【Article by International College of Innovation】
In a compelling exploration of Indonesia's recent presidential election, Deasy Simandjuntak, Assistant Professor at the International College of Innovation (ICI), National Chengchi University Taiwan, took the stage as one of the esteemed speakers at the 'Implications of Indonesia's Presidential Election: The Future of Democracy and National Development' event. The event, held online on February 23, 2024, was part of the Global Elections Webinar Series organized by the Harvard Kennedy School Ash Center for Democracy and Innovation and the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia.

The webinar aimed to dissect the aftermath of the landslide victory of Prabowo Subianto in Indonesia's presidential election, which took place on February 14th, eliminating the need for the anticipated June run-off election. With Indonesia being the world's third-largest democracy, the outcome of this election holds significant implications for the state of democracy and the trajectory of national development in the country.

Simandjuntak, alongside other distinguished speakers including Made Supriatma, Visiting Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, provided valuable insights into the political landscape of Indonesia post-election. Serving as a Visiting Fellow at both ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and the ICI, Simandjuntak brought a unique perspective to the discussion, drawing from her expertise in Indonesian politics and regional affairs.

The webinar, moderated by Jay Rosengard, Chair of the Indonesia Public Policy Program at the Rajawali Institute, delved into various aspects of the election outcome, ranging from its impact on democratic institutions to its implications for the future direction of national policies.

Simandjuntak's participation in the event underscored the significance of academic engagement in shaping discussions around democratic governance and electoral processes. Her contribution offered attendees a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Indonesia in the wake of its recent presidential election.

The event, which required registration for participation, attracted a diverse audience interested in the intersection of politics, democracy, and development in Indonesia and beyond. Following the conclusion of the webinar, a recording was made available for those unable to attend the live session, ensuring wider accessibility to the valuable insights shared by the speakers.

The Harvard Kennedy School Ash Center for Democracy and Innovation encourages inclusivity in its events, welcoming individuals with disabilities to participate. For accommodations or inquiries, attendees were invited to contact the events team prior to the event.

Through platforms like the Global Elections Webinar Series, institutions like the Ash Center and the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia continue to foster dialogue and analysis that are crucial for understanding the evolving dynamics of democracy in the contemporary world.