ARTICLES

15 Jan 2024

Will the “China Factor” Become an Election Issue in Indonesia?

Leo Suryadinata|Siwage Dharma Negara

Indonesia’s economic relationship with China is occasionally marred by deadly accidents at Chinese-built and owned industrial sites in the archipelago. Nevertheless, economic cooperation with China is not going to slow down, no matter who wins the election next month.

Indonesia's election commission on November 13, announced the candidates for next year's presidential vote when the world's third largest democracy is due to pick a successor to incumbent leader Joko Widodo. (Photo by Adek BERRY / AFP)

21 Nov 2023

Human Capital Development Programmes in Indonesia: Electoral Gimmicks or Achievable Promises?

Yanuar Nugroho

A clear-eyed look at the various candidates’ proposals for improving Indonesia’s human capital development suggests that the devil will be in the implementation, not the targets per se.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

President Joko Widodo invited three presidential candidates for the 2024 presidential election -- Anies Baswedan (R), Ganjar Pranowo (L), and Prabowo Subianto (2R) -- to have lunch together at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. (Photo. by Joko Widodo / Twitter)

9 Nov 2023

The Race is On! Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Candidates Assessed

Julia Lau|Made Supriatma

It will be a tough fight in next February’s presidential election in Indonesia. There is time for the race odds to shift but the stakes are already clear.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto (R) and vice presidential candidate Gibran Rakabuming Raka (L), son of Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, pose for photographs during the registration for the 2024 election in Jakarta on October 25, 2023. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP)

7 Nov 2023

Out of the “Elektabilitas” Mire Comes the Push for Dynastic Power

Max Lane

The lack of real political difference among the various contenders for the top political job in Indonesia has paved the way for the culture of political dynasties to strengthen. Will this culture win out? The votes will tell.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

24 Oct 2023

The President and His Political Party: An Impending Collision

Burhanuddin Muhtadi

There is a widening rift between Indonesian President Joko Widodo and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle which endorsed his candidacy in the country’s two previous presidential elections.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections

Chief of Staff of the US Army, General James Charles McConville (C) accompanied by Indonesian Defense Minister, Prabowo Subianto (Front) arrives at the Indonesian Ministry of Defense offices in Jakarta, Indonesia, 12 May 2023. McConville's visit to Indonesia strengthened the military cooperation between the two countries.

12 Sep 2023

Prabowo as Defence Minister: From Problematic Purchases to Provocative Proposals

Aswin Lin|Deasy Simandjuntak

Notwithstanding his high popularity in recent polls, Prabowo Subianto’s uneven track record as defence minister begs more scrutiny from Indonesian voters before they head to the presidential vote next February.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

Muhaimin Iskandar standing with Anies Baswedan on a balcony at the Hotel Majapahit, 2 Sep 2023 after they announced their joint 2024 campaign.

11 Sep 2023

Muhaimin Iskandar’s Vice-Presidential Candidacy and Nahdlatul Ulama

Syafiq Hasyim

As his running mate, Muhaimin Iskandar could bring something to the table for Anies Baswedan’s 2024 campaign and the former would not be down and out even if their team does not beat the other two presidential contenders next February.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

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

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