ARTICLES

7 Sep 2023

Indonesia’s Volatile Coalition Politics: PKB’s Move Broke the 2024 Presidential Race Logjam

Made Supriatma

The focus is now on choices for Indonesia’s next vice president after Anies Baswedan secured a surprise choice for his running mate in 2024.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections

31 Aug 2023

Meatball Soup on Instagram: (Not) Making a Mountain Out of a Molehill

Wahyudi Akmaliah|A'an Suryana

A proverbial storm has erupted in Indonesia over a foodie influencer enjoying a humble bowl of meatball soup with non-halal crackers. Calmer heads should have prevailed.

Indonesian workers march during the International Workers’ Day near the National Monument in Jakarta, Indonesia

30 Aug 2023

Polarisations in Indonesia: Distinguishing the Real from the Rhetorical

Max Lane

This Long Read argues that the polarisation perceived in Indonesian mainstream politics is more rhetorical than real. They mainly reflect opportunistic tactical calculations and obscure the real polarisations in Indonesia’s political landscape.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

28 Aug 2023

Are Indonesian Banks Resilient Amidst Rising Interest Rates?

Manggi Habir|Siwage Dharma Negara

Indonesia’s banking sector is likely to withstand higher interest rates given certain fundamentals that will insulate it from the volatility seen elsewhere.

Indonesia Indonesian Economy

25 Aug 2023

Biden Skips Jakarta: When (Not) Showing Up Speaks Volumes

William Choong|Sharon Seah

President Biden skipping the East Asia Summit in Jakarta bodes ill for both the optics of the decision and the implications on U.S. engagement in ASEAN, especially as China continues to expand influence and cultivate relations in the region.

ASEAN Diplomacy Indonesia US

25 Aug 2023

Politicised Religion and Indonesia’s Youth: Time to Overhaul Identity Politics

Iim Halimatusa’diyah

Indonesian leaders have committed to refrain from politicising religion in the upcoming February 2024 elections, but political incentives and social forces continue to propagate identity politics, especially among the youth. More must be done to curb the politicisation of religion and educate the youth about its harmful consequences.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Religion

22 Aug 2023

The Significance of President Joko Widodo’s 2024 Budget Address

Manggi Habir|Siwage Dharma Negara

President Joko Widodo doubtless hopes to leave behind a legacy that will remind Indonesians of his grand plans for a developed, vibrant, and economically mature country. His latest – and last – budget shows what a tall order that will be.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

16 Aug 2023

Ganjar Pranowo’s Running Mate: What’s in PDI-P’s Playbook?

Burhanuddin Muhtadi

While his party has come up with a shortlist of potential running mates, the decision as to who will run with Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo to be his vice-president will most likely lie with none other than a former president who is Ganjar’s party boss.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

16 Aug 2023

Indonesia’s Appointed Leaders and the Future of Regional Elections

Ian Wilson

By the end of 2023, there will be 271 interim regional heads who are appointed rather than elected, constituting over half of the regional leadership posts throughout Indonesia. These handpicked interim leaders are well-positioned to use the advantages of incumbency to promote central government interests at the expense of others in the 2024 elections.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

2 Aug 2023

Is Indonesia’s Al-Zaytun Islamic Boarding School Facing an Existential Threat?

A'an Suryana

An Islamic boarding school and its principal are embroiled once again in controversy. This time, maybe the public’s complaints will bite – but for how long?

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Religion