Indonesia

Back in 2019, the global economic stage witnessed a shift that sent tremors through Indonesia’s political echelons. The World Bank’s revelation struck a nerve – amidst the intricate dance of US-China trade tensions, Indonesia seemed to have missed its cue to join the bustling global manufacturing supply chains. The World Bank’s 2019 report painted a disconcerting picture: out of 30-plus …

In a surprising twist, five immigration officers stationed at Ngurah Rai Immigration post in I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali, found themselves in hot water on November 14th. Their alleged involvement in extorting money from tourists to access the fast-track arrivals lane has ignited a firestorm of controversy in Bali.  Officials are now reevaluating the efficacy of the fast-track …

Indonesia’s foreign policy, deeply rooted in the “Politik Bebas dan Aktif” doctrine, is undergoing subtle transformations as the nation prepares for the 2024 elections. Let’s delve into the nuances of international relations through the eyes of the presidential candidates, offering a sneak peek into the potential course of Indonesian diplomacy. Historical Tapestry of “Free and Active” From its inception, Indonesia …

In a noteworthy development, Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs has sealed an initial deal with Exxon Mobil to explore potential investment in a petrochemical project within the country. This project, expected to yield polymer production and involve a carbon storage facility, has, however, raised eyebrows given the oil giant’s recent settlement in a two-decade-long legal battle involving …

The Indonesian government, guided by President Joko Widodo‘s directions, is currently examining their SEZs. These zones are special areas where business and trade laws differ from the rest of the country, typically to encourage investment and economic growth.  The evaluation is focused on understanding how these zones are performing, especially in terms of attracting investments. If an SEZ doesn’t show …

In a monumental step toward a sustainable future, Indonesia proudly unveiled the Cirata floating solar farm—a groundbreaking initiative that now claims the title of the largest in Southeast Asia. President Joko Widodo, in a poignant address, shared the nation’s elation in transforming an ambitious vision into reality—a vision that envisaged Indonesia as a frontrunner in renewable energy on a grand …

In a groundbreaking development backed by the Global Media Defence Fund, the Indonesian organization LBH Pers has unveiled “Lapor,” a pioneering digital legal aid platform designed for journalists. Established in 2003, LBH Pers dedicates itself to safeguarding democracy by championing press freedom and freedom of expression in Indonesia. Launched in January 2023, the portal is poised to become a game-changer …

Indonesia’s relentless crackdown on illicit nickel mining has left the nation grappling with a severe nickel shortage, pushing it to seek ore imports from the Philippines to sustain its smelting operations. As the world’s top nickel producer, Indonesia’s ongoing corruption probe within its government has delayed the issuance of vital nickel mining quotas. Official customs data from Indonesia reveals a …

In a recent and noteworthy development, Detachment 88, Indonesia’s highly regarded counter-terrorism unit, revealed that they had successfully apprehended 59 individuals who were suspected of hatching a nefarious plot to disrupt the democratic process in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.  These suspects had ominous intentions – they aimed to carry out attacks against the security forces responsible for …

In a significant move to combat terrorism, Indonesia’s elite counter-terrorism unit, Densus 88, has successfully carried out a mission to apprehend 59 suspected militants.  These individuals, with connections to both Jemaah Islamiah (JI) and Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), were reportedly hatching a nefarious plan to disrupt the impending presidential and legislative elections. This operation saw the arrest of 19 individuals …