Final answer:
Coalitions in Indonesian politics are commonly formed due to ethnic diversity, where multiple groups with varying interests come together to form governing majorities, influenced by past weaknesses in party systems and local electoral laws that necessitate collaboration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coalitions are common in Indonesian politics primarily due to ethnic diversity. Indonesia's population consists of multiple ethnic groups, each with unique interests and political aspirations. Given the decentralized nature of the country's political landscape, a varied mix of regional and ethnic priorities necessitates political coalitions to form governing majorities that can address the broad spectrum of concerns effectively.
Furthermore, the historical weakening of party systems in Indonesia, primarily due to reliance on patronage, has led to a political environment that favors coalition-building over strong party dominance. This mirrors the situations in other countries where traditional party structures have broken down, making it necessary for multiple parties to work together for collective electoral success.
Moreover, local election laws and gerrymandering practices also play a role in fostering coalitions by creating an environment where ethnic minorities and smaller parties need to collaborate to secure political power and represent their constituents' interests successfully.