Politics
Dissecting the pulse of the nation’s politics, where power plays and policies collide in a fight for the future.
Economic growth projected to reach 5.3% in 2023
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has expressed optimism that Indonesia's economy would still be going strong, with a predicted growth of 5% in 2023. His statement has been such a slight relief as the World Bank had said that the world might be edging toward a global recession in 2023 and a string of financial crises in emerging market and developing economies.
Michelin allegedly involves in deforestation, intimidation against Jambi local community
French tire company Michelin's local subsidiary, PT Lestari Asri Jaya (LAJ), has been allegedly involved in deforestation and intimidation against local farmers although the company had secured green bonds.
Counting the days for minerals ore export total ban
The government has planned to issue a roadmap and a regulation to fully ban the export of several minerals ores like coppers, tins and bauxite next month. Minister of Investment/Head of Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia said the government was discussing the regulation on the downstream industry system and the economic tree of the downstream industry of minerals.
Presidential candidates in bed with 'Nine Dragons'
Indonesia's wealthy conglomerates, popularly known as the "Nine Dragons", are taking a wait-and-see measure while analyzing the situation before making a decision which presidential candidate they will support in the 2024 general elections.
Polarization, identity politics continue to threaten democracy in 2024 general elections
With the current configuration of political coalitions and presidential candidates, experts believe that polarization and identity politics will threaten Indonesia's social harmony and democracy as the 2024 general elections approach.
Investment minister violates law in activating mining permit in Aceh, expert says
Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia has shown a careless behavior in activating the mining business permit of a gold mining company in Aceh province, according to an expert.
Indonesia upbeat on economic condition, but needs to stay alert: Jokowi
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has been cautiously optimistic on Indonesia's economic performance amidst the global uncertainty, following Russia's invasion to Ukraine that has created a multiplying effect in numerous sectors including food resilience and energy crisis.
Freeport-McMoRan in talk with government on permit extension
PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is seeking for an early extension of its special mining permit in Papua when the existing permit expires in 2041. Chief Executive Officer of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., Richard Adkerson, said the company was having a discussion with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and the Indonesian government on how to deal with Freeport's resources after 2041.
Indonesia, South Korea strengthen economic cooperation through IKCEPA, RCEP
Indonesia and South Korea continue to strengthen their economic cooperation as both countries have ratified the Indonesia-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IKCEPA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement.
Understanding political influence in media industry in Indonesia
There are a few Indonesian politicians own media group while several elected lawmakers come from major media groups. The political stance of media in Indonesia comes into question whenever general elections are approaching. Will they be impartial, biased or lean towards supporting certain political parties or figures? Another interesting question is how the media in Indonesia can create public opinion on important issues?
Anies Baswedan's political brief whispers ahead of 2024 elections
A political scenario that outgoing Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan and former vice president Jusuf Kalla are trying to avoid is having two pairs of presidential/vice presidential candidates in the 2024 general elections. The main reason is because it will be difficult for Anies to claim himself as a national figure due to the presence of lslamic hardline political party and groups - such as PKS (Prosperous Justice Party), HTI (Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia), FPI (Islam Defenders Front), Wahabi and the 212 Alumni Association - in its ranks. The track record of Anies and his bandwagon regarding identity politics will be exploited by competitors. A two-pair-candidates scenario is acceptable if Anies' opponent is deemed a weak candidate such as Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P)'s Puan Maharani.
Stunting threat in Indonesia
According to Banggai Islands Regent Ihsan Basir, stunting cases in the Central Sulawesi's regency in 2019 had been recorded at 22.6%. The figure increased to 23% in 2020 but then decreased to 21.54% in 2021. However, until mid year 2022, the stunting rate in the regency slightly increased to 21.87% in 2022.