Politics
Dissecting the pulse of the nation’s politics, where power plays and policies collide in a fight for the future.
Government regulation in lieu of job creation law faces criticism
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo signed the government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) on job creation on December 30, 2022, due to "several urgent reasons", including to anticipate the global economic condition.
Bauxite ores export ban likely to attract more investments
The government's ban on the bauxite ores export is likely to increase investments in the bauxites processing and refining industry. Economist at the Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University Fahmi Radhi said one of the challenges faced by the government after the ban would be the limited bauxites smelters capacity.
Supporters seek extension of Jokowi's presidential term
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's supporters are looking for a leeway to extend the presidential term by 2 or 3 years in office by delaying the 2024 General Elections. A source inside the Office of Presidential Staff (KSP) said the extension of Jokowi's tenure would be a more logical choice rather than allowing him to run for the third term in office, which was against the Constitution.
Which parties qualify and not qualify for 2024 elections?
The General Elections Commission (KPU) has named 17 national political parties and 6 Aceh local parties, which are qualified for the 2024 General Elections. Indonesia will hold a simultaneous elections on February 14, 2024, to elect lawmakers, representative councillors and president/vice president as well as governors and mayors/regents.
The 2024 general elections: Stages and where are we now
Indonesia will hold the simultaneous general elections in 2024 and all eyes are on potential candidates for president and vice president posts. The General Elections Commission (KPU) has already released to the public on June 14, 2022, its scheduled stages for the elections.
Special Autonomy Fund not enough to bring prosperity for Papuans
The Special Autonomy Fund has failed to become a push factor to eliminate the so-called natural resources curse in Papua and West Papua provinces. The fund has been used to increase gross domestic product but it did not improve other sectors especially education, health sanitation and forest condition in those provinces.
Luhut Pandjaitan's statement on KPK's caught red-handed operation sparks controversy
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan considered the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)'s caught red-handed operation (OTT) has given a negative perception to the state. He said state officials were exposed to the antigraft body's caught red-handed operation because the state has not utilized the digital system to improve financial management at the regional and national levels.
Bank Indonesia raises rate to 5.5%, expects low inflation
Bank Indonesia (BI) decided to increase its benchmark 7-day reverse repurchase rate on December 22, 2022, by 25 basis points to 5.5%. The central bank also raised its deposit facility and lending facility rates by the same amount to 4.75% and 6.25%, respectively.
Government to ban bauxite ores export starting June 2023
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo announced that Indonesia would start banning the export of bauxite ores starting June 2023 to encourage the development of bauxite processing and refining industry at home. His statement came days after Indonesia filed an expected appeal against a World Trade Organization (WTO) panel ruling that was in favor of the European Union (EU) in a dispute over the ban on nickel ore exports.
Airlangga, Sri Mulyani, Erick may become best pick for VP
As the names of Prabowo Subianto, Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan have been favorites to run as presidential candidates in the 2024 General Elections, their vice presidential candidates should have a strong background in macroeconomy.
New TNI chief should have new approach on South China Sea, Papua issues
The newly appointed Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Adm. Yudo Margono should have a new and breakthrough concept that prioritizes the role of Indonesian Navy in the future. This is due to the heightened tension of military competition in the South China Sea between the United States and China.
Jokowi supporters push for third term in office
Several Indonesian government officials as well as President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's supporters are still trying to push for his third term at office, although the Constitution states "The President and Vice President hold office for five years, after which they can be re-elected to the same position for one term only".