Politics
Dissecting the pulse of the nation’s politics, where power plays and policies collide in a fight for the future.
Anies Baswedan considers Khofifah, Airlangga as running mate potentials
The Coalition for Change, an alliance of Nasdem Party, Democratic Party and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), has finally agreed on presidential hopeful Anies Baswedan's proposed running mates: East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa and Golkar Party Chairman Airlangga Hartarto.
Authorities search for Susi Air pilot held hostage by Papuan rebels
The authorities are still searching the whereabouts of Susi Air pilot Captain Phillips Mehrtens following the hijack and burning of the aircraft by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) in Nduga regency, Highland Papua, on February 7, 2023.
Coalition for Change hangs in the balance
The establishment of the Coalition for Change and the presidential candidacy of former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan remain unclear until now. A source in the government said that the Nasdem Party, the Democratic Party and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), which previously supported Anies for 2024 elections, have not agreed on his vice presidential candidate.
Outlets shut down: Are retailers facing doomsday?
The closing down of Transmart’s 12 outlets has affirmed the tight competition among retailers and the shifting of consumers behavior. Transmart is not the first player in the retail industry that had to close down its outlets. Giant, a hypermarket chain originated from Malaysia, permanently closed down its business in 2021.
Energy ministry prepares exploitation of rare earth minerals
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources' Geological Agency is exploring the potential of rare earth minerals in Indonesia. The exploration is carried out to identify rare earth minerals in the laterite potential areas outside the mining sites, so the government can prepare the mining operation permits.
Cigar industry in Indonesia - a potential rival to cigarettes?
The cigar business has the potential to bring great profits as they are seen as a potential replacement for cigarettes. People make cigars from rolled tobacco leaves, instead of chopped tobacco wrapped in papers like cigarettes. However, both cigars and cigarettes have similar health risks. According to online health consultation sehatq.com, smoking cigars can result in various forms of cancer, lung and heart diseases, addiction, dental and oral disorders and fertility problems.
Antam, LG Energy Solution cooperation remains unclear
A planned cooperation in developing electric vehicle battery between Indonesian state-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam) and South Korean battery maker LG Energy Solution (LGES) is still unclear. State mining holding company MIND ID Chief Executive Officer Hendi Prio Santoso said that LG even left the negotiation of the project to a member of its Huayou Cobalt Co.Ltd. of China.
Freeport to complete copper smelter by December 2023
Gold and mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) will be able to complete its Manyar copper smelter construction in Gresik regency, East Java, by December 2023, according to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. He said the smelter construction progress has reached 51.7%.
Freeport unable to complete smelter construction by December 2023
Gold and copper giant PT Freeport Indonesia cannot complete its smelter construction in Gresik, East Java, by December 2023 even though the government may impose sanction if the company failed to do so.
Indonesia's counterfeit market: What you need to know
The overflow of made-in-China and local counterfeit products in Indonesia has resulted in economic losses for local businesses and international brands. The K&K Advocates-Intellectual Property said that Indonesia suffered financial losses of IDR 291 trillion (US$ 19.41 billion) due to fake goods in 2020. It was a sharp increase from 2015 when the country suffered losses of IDR 65.1 trillion, kontan.co.id reported in September 2021.
Government can sanction Freeport, Amman Mineral if they miss smelter construction deadline
Instead of terminating the copper concentrate exports of PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) and PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMNT), the government can impose sanction on the two giant gold and copper producers.
Meikarta mega project offers a rosy picture but consumers get a bleak future
Lippo Group mega project Meikarta in Cikarang, Bekasi regency, has been involved in legal battle with consumers due to the company's failure in delivering the property on time and the latter's alleged defamation.