Technocracy is a system of governance or leadership where political and economic decisions are based on technical knowledge and practical expertise rather than political considerations or the interests of specific groups. In technocracy, experts and professionals in various fields, such as science, technology, economics, and management, play a key role in the decision-making process.
Development Worldwide:
Early Origins: The concept of technocracy first emerged in the early 20th century in the United States and Europe, particularly during the Great Depression. During this time, technocrats proposed that more efficient economic management could be achieved through leadership by technical experts rather than politicians based on political interests.
Influence in Authoritarian States: Some authoritarian or totalitarian states such as China, the former Soviet Union, and North Korea have implemented technocracy in economic decision-making. In China, for example, there is a governance system that gives technocrats significant authority in making economic policies.
Role in International Organizations: At the international level, technocracy can be observed in various institutions and organizations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Trade Organization (WTO), where economic decisions are often based on technical analysis and data.
Development in Indonesia:
In Indonesia, although technocracy is not formally adopted as a governance system, experts and professionals often have a significant influence in the policy-making process, especially in the fields of economics and development. Concrete examples of the influence of technocracy in Indonesia include:
Ministers with Expertise: Various Indonesian cabinets often include ministers who are experts in specific fields such as economics, finance, or development. They often serve as key advisors to the president in policy-making.
Expert Agencies: The Indonesian government has also established various expert bodies or agencies tasked with providing technical input and advice in the decision-making process. An example is the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), which plays a significant role in national development planning.
Bureaucratic Reform: Efforts to reform the bureaucracy in Indonesia also aim to enhance professionalism and the quality of public service by strengthening the role of experts and professionals in decision-making.
While technocracy has the potential to improve efficiency and effectiveness in decision-making, it also faces criticism regarding the lack of democratic legitimacy and a tendency to overlook social and political aspects in policy-making. Therefore, while technocracy can be a useful tool in addressing complex challenges, it also needs to be balanced with broad societal participation and ethical and political considerations.