Politics
Dissecting the pulse of the nation’s politics, where power plays and policies collide in a fight for the future.
Government plan to grant early extension of Freeport permit will violate mineral and coal law
The Indonesian government is awaiting the submission of PT Freeport Indonesia's request for an early extension of its special mining business permit. The current permit will expire in 2041. "We are currently waiting for Freeport to request an extension," Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif stated on March 17, 2023.
Air Products withdraws from their Indonesian projects following incentive offer from the US
Air Products and Chemical Inc. has decided not to pursue two downstream coal development projects in Indonesia. The company decided to withdraw from its coal gasification into DME collaboration with PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) and PT Pertamina. It also decided not to continue their engagement in developing methanol gas production facility in cooperation with Bakrie Group companies, PT Kaltim Prima Coal and PT Arutmin Indonesia.
PepsiCo, FrieslandCampina suspend palm oil sourcing from Astra Agro Lestari
PepsiCo and FrieslandCampina have suspended imports from Astra Agro Lestari (AAL), Indonesia's second-largest palm oil company, following an investigation into environmental and human rights violations committed in Central and West Sulawesi, Indonesia. The US and Dutch multinationals are the latest in a long line of consumer brands to cut ties with the company.
BSKLN, UMRAH partnering to optimize foreign policy strategies in the South China Sea
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Foreign Policy Strategy Agency (BSKLN) signed an MoU on cooperation with Raja Ali Haji Maritime University (UMRAH), Tanjung Pinang, Riau Islands on March 9, 2023 to optimize the study and development of foreign policy strategies in the South China Sea.
Supporter wants Prabowo-Ganjar pair for 2024 election
When President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo gathered during a rice harvest event in Kebumen, Central Java, on March 9, 2023, many speculated that the president endorse the two presidential hopefuls for the 2024 election.
Green groups concern about Hyundai's purchase of dirty aluminum from Adaro
Hyundai Motor Company and PT Adaro Minerals Indonesia Tbk's memorandum of understanding received a backlash from environmental organizations from both countries over the South Korean carmaker's planned annual purchase of 100,000 tons of aluminum from Indonesia's second-biggest coal firm.
Luhut's affiliation with EV company might spur controversy over conflict of interest
The policy to provide government assistance for the purchase of electric vehicles carry out a moral hazard for Coordinating Minister For Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, according to an expert.
Government to subsidize electric motorcycles to boost conversion of new energy
Starting on March 20, 2023, the government will provide subsidies for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), particularly electric motorcycles, to help spur the new energy automotive industry development. The subsidy is the government's first step to allowing price affordability and people's purchasing power to buy BEVs.
Organized groups behind court ruling to delay elections, CSIS says
Indonesia's leading think tank, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), alleged that organized groups were behind the Central Jakarta District Court ruling that ordered the General Elections Commission (KPU) to postpone the elections until 2025.
District Court rules elections delayed until 2025 amidst Jokowi's supporters awaiting MK's ruling
The Central Jakarta District Court ordered the General Elections Commission (KPU) to postpone the polls until 2025, ruling in favor of the Prima Party, which filed the lawsuit on December 8, 2022. The verdict came a day after President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's supporters raised concern over the Constitutional Court (MK) ruling on the 2024 General Elections voting system that might pave a way for a proposal to delay the polls.
Government should provide favorable climate to attract tin downstream investors
To attract investors in the tin downstream industry, Indonesia must guarantee competitive investment costs, affordable gas prices, low logistic costs and infrastructure availability. President Director of state-owned tin mining company PT Timah Tbk., Achmad Ardianto, said investors in the tin downstream industry would seek a location with reasonable capital or minimal investment costs.
Political cyberattacks loom ahead of 2024 elections
As Indonesia approaches the 2024 General Elections and competes for the support of tech-savvy voters, digital freedom of expression is expected to suffer further, according to a recent study by the Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet).