One year into office, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has delivered stability on the political front by uniting diverse groups and launched populist programmes that have benefited the common folk, but at a steep cost. While Mr Prabowo has achieved a degree of political stability by bringing most major parties into his governing coalition, observers say […]
Prabowo, Jokowi likely on friendly terms for now, but this may change by next election: Analysts
The relationship between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and his predecessor Joko Widodo has come under the spotlight again after their recent meeting in Jakarta. While details of what they discussed were scarce – an official statement said they exchanged views on state affairs, without elaborating – the meeting on Oct 4 has renewed attention on the […]
Long-serving Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani removed in Cabinet reshuffle
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has appointed economist Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa as the country’s new finance minister, replacing Dr Sri Mulyani Indrawati in a Cabinet reshuffle that comes in the wake of violent protests and looting of ministers’ homes. The reshuffle also affects four other ministerial posts and creates a new Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. “Based […]
From Molotovs to ‘mafias’: Who is stirring Indonesia’s protests?
The bus stop was empty. No protesters, no police. Then a man in a helmet and mask struck a stick alight and tossed it into the structure. He ran to a waiting motorcycle, where another similarly dressed man sat, and they sped off into the night. The grainy, shaky video, reportedly filmed on Aug 29, […]
Elite policies such as Indonesian MPs’ perks fuel public anger and erode trust: Analysts
The decision by Indonesian lawmakers to sharply increase their allowances at a time when ordinary people are struggling with rising prices – and which sparked protests in Jakarta – has emerged as a glaring symbol of elite insensitivity, said analysts. The recent unrest occurred just weeks after provincial protests over tax hikes. ………. Artikel premium, […]
Indonesian President’s pardon of 2 convicted politicians targets unity, but may hurt justice system
A move by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to issue presidential pardons to two prominent Indonesian politicians who have been convicted of graft has raised concerns over judicial interference and commitment to the fight against corruption in the country. The surprise decision was announced on Aug 1 for opposition figures Hasto Kristiyanto and Thomas Lembong, just […]
Stitching divides: Prabowo’s designer son brings understated, personal style to diplomacy
Often seen at Paris fashion shows as a designer, the only son of President Prabowo Subianto has taken on a surprising new role: bridging divides among some of Indonesia’s most powerful political figures. Mr Ragowo Hediprasetyo Djojohadikusumo – better known as Didit Hediprasetyo – is the son of Mr Prabowo and his former wife Titiek […]






