Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has consolidated political power, launched ambitious welfare programmes and pursued active diplomacy. But a haze crisis affecting Singapore and Malaysia, falling public satisfaction and concerns over economic governance are raising questions about his hands-on leadership. As smoke from Indonesia’s forest and land fires spread to Singapore and Malaysia, the Indonesian government’s […]
Indonesia’s next general election is more than two years away, but political parties are already locking horns over key rules governing presidential nominations that may threaten to shut out independent contenders. As MPs prepare to amend the election law ahead of the 2029 polls, the debate has reignited tensions over political access just months after […]
One word leapt off the page when Indonesian negotiators signed a tariff agreement with the United States on Feb 19, 2026: “alliance”. At first glance, it hinted at a shift towards Washington. For decades, Indonesia has carefully avoided language suggesting bloc membership or binding strategic commitments and stuck with its commitment to staying non-aligned. ………. Artikel premium, […]
For more than a decade, former West Java governor Ridwan Kamil was Indonesia’s Instagram darling: a Berkeley-educated architect, a devout Muslim and a father whose family posts made him seem approachable, even relatable. Affectionately known as Kang Emil, the 54-year-old crafted a persona that blurred the line between politician and celebrity. He rose from mayor […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]
