The new TNI law enhances legal justifications for the military’s dual function, but it does not inevitably lead to a return to military authoritarian rule under Prabowo. This is because attempts to centralise power in a single ruler inherently threaten to reduce the share of power and resources available to other contending political-economic elite players.

Seizing on the revolutionary fervour of Indonesian Independence Day, workers from public and private universities in Indonesia declared the establishment of the Campus Workers Union (SPK)  on 17 August 2023. But can a new academic union actually reform university management in Indonesia? And what challenges will this new union need to overcome to defend the interests of campus workers?

As depressing as it is, the destruction of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is not surprising. It is a sign of the limits of institutional approaches in advancing democratic legal reform in Indonesia.

As protests rage, legal avenues to overturn the controversial law may no longer be the answer, write Abdil Mughis Mudhoffir and Rafiqa Qurrata A’yun.

Political and business elites are exploiting the Covid-19 crisis to further increase their power and material resources, write Rafiqa Qurrata A'yun and Abdil Mughis Mudhoffir.

President Joko Widodo was supported by many activists because of promises to strengthen the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). But as Rafiqa Qurrata A'yun and Abdil Mughis Mudhoffir write, in the end he played a significant role in contributing to its demise.

President Joko Widodo appears to have won, but by a smaller margin than many predicted. Abdil Mughis Mudhoffir argues that preparations for 2024 could be critical for the constellation of power over the next five years.

Abdil Mughis Mudhoffir and Rafiqa Qurrata Ayun write that rather than dismissing non-voters as apathetic or irresponsible, it is far more productive to reflect on how they can contribute to strengthening democracy.