ARTICLES

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.

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

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

24 Jul 2023

Jokowi’s (Worst) Reshuffle: A Loss for the Country But Does He Gain?

Yanuar Nugroho|Julia Lau

President Joko Widodo’s cabinet reshuffle last week was a calculated move to shore up his position rather than improve policy performance.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

19 Jul 2023

Jokowi’s Manoeuvres in Defiance of Megawati Aimed at Consolidating Future Position

Max Lane

How does an outgoing president secure his political future without the usual party mechanism?

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

30 Jun 2023

Pilgrimage, Piety, and Politics: “Haji” Presidents in Indonesia

Norshahril Saat|Ahmad Muhajir

Many politicians eyeing Indonesia’s two top political jobs are performing the Hajj this year. While doing so might boost their political capital, it is unlikely to bag them an outright victory at next year’s polls.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics Political Islam