Politics
Dissecting the pulse of the nation’s politics, where power plays and policies collide in a fight for the future.
Islamist group consolidates power ahead of 2024 elections
The Islamist group Brotherhood of 212 Alumni gathering has no political agenda, according to spokesman Novel Bamukmin. He argued that the purpose of the reunion was pray to God for the unity and safety of Indonesia so the nation can be spared form disasters and catastrophe.
Jokowi insists to promote downstream nickel industries despite loss at WTO
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo reiterated that Indonesia would continue to develop the nickel downstream industry program despite losing the lawsuit by the European Union at the World Trade Organization over the nickel ore export ban. In response to the WTO ruling in favor of the EU, Jokowi instructed his ministers to appeal the decision. He argued that the decision did not have an absolute and binding power, and an appeal is still possible.
DPR passes controversial Criminal Code into law
The House of Representatives (DPR) eventually passed the controversial Criminal Code (KUHP) Bill into a law on December 6, 2022. The new Criminal Code law, will take effect three years after it is ratified. Activists have seen this new law as undemocratic and conservative.
Ministries have split opinions on Freeport smelter progress and export tax reduction
Gold and copper mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) has yet to receive export tax reduction for their copper concentrate export as Indonesian ministers have not agreed on the percentage of the company's smelter progress in Gresik, East Java.
G20 electric vehicles are up for sale with a discount and allocated for government needs
The electric vehicles used for the G20 Summit in Bali in November 2022 are currently being sold at a discounted price or allocated for other government needs. Indonesia has committed to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy by using electric vehicles - cars, motorcycles and buses - for the event’s mobility needs.
Anies Baswedan's presidential candidacy is in disarray
Anies Baswedan's presidential candidacy is in a state of disarray after Nasdem Party, Democratic Party and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), that initially supported him, have not agreed on several issues in the negotiations to establish a coalition. The Law No. 7/2017 on General Elections stipulates that only a political party and/or a coalition of political parties with 20% seats in the House of Representatives (DPR) can propose a presidential candidate.
China controls Indonesia's nickel industry
China has dominated Indonesia's nickel industry, according to a lawmaker and an observer. A member of the House of Representatives' Commission VII overseeing energy and mineral resources and industry, Zulfikar Hamonangan, probed Minister of Energy and Mineral Resource Arifin Tasrif in a hearing that 90% of nickel mines in Indonesia was under China's control.
Jokowi’s 'white hair, facial wrinkles' statement may boost Ganjar Pranowo's electability
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's statement that the next president should have "white hair and facial wrinkles" has been seen as a blatant support for Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo as a presidential candidate in the 2024 General Elections.
Government relies on abundant natural resources to face 2023 global economic crisis
The government would rely on its abundant natural resources - especially coal and nickel - in facing the 2023 possible economic crisis despite the country's massive debts, a source within the government said. According to Bank Indonesia (BI), Indonesia's external debt was recorded at US$ 394.6 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2022.
10 largest oil palm plantations in Indonesia
Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of palm oil, producing around 46.2 million metric tons in 2021 alone. Being the largest producer, consequently Indonesia has the largest oil palm plantations, especially in Sumatra and Kalimantan islands.
Indonesia to appeal after losing at WTO in nickel downstream policy dispute
The Indonesian government will file an appeal against the World Trade Organization (WTO)'s ruling, stating that the country lost in a lawsuit against its ban on nickel ore export submitted by the European Union.
In search of the next TNI Chief
The House of Representatives (DPR)'s Deputy Speaker Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus said President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo would send a Presidential Letter (Surpres) on the appointment of the new Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief to replace Gen. Andika Perkasa. Based on the information received by DPR, the Presidential Palace has already processed the Letter.