Prabowo Subianto is poised to succeed in lifelong quest to become Indonesia’s president. This is why it’s so worrying
2024 Indonesian Elections, PoliticsAs the former general Prabowo Subianto settles into office, a further gradual dismantling of democratic checks and balances, institutions and individual freedoms is very likely.
Cute grandpa or authoritarian in waiting: who is Prabowo Subianto, the favourite to win Indonesia’s presidential election?
2024 Indonesian ElectionsPrabowo Subianto has repeatedly said Indonesia’s democratic system is not working and the country should return to its original 1945 constitution, which could unravel many democratic reforms.
A twist in Indonesia’s presidential election does not bode well for the country’s fragile democracy
2024 Indonesian Elections, Law, PoliticsOn Valentine’s Day next year, Indonesia will go to the polls for its most important election in ten years.After months of uncertainty, Jokowi and his circle have come out strongly in support for Prabowo, with Jokowi’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, announced as his vice presidential running mate in recent days.
Indonesia’s omnibus bill: typo or ‘mistaken instruction’?
Law, Political parties, PoliticsDr Nadirsyah Hosen, Dr Jeremy J Kingsley and Professor Tim Lindsey write that the so-called “omnibus bill” on job creation has been misnamed – it is basically about making life easier for big business.
Jokowi set to win: Melbourne experts respond
2019 Indonesian Elections, Analysis, Political parties, PoliticsAfter a long, bitter, but largely uneventful campaign, it looks like President Joko Widodo will be re-elected with about 55 per cent of the vote. University of Melbourne academics offer their early thoughts on the results.
Indonesia goes to the polls: rematch or replay?
2019 Indonesian Elections, AnalysisIn the 2014 elections, one of Joko Widodo's key advantages was that he was not Prabowo Subianto. This time around, writes Professor Tim Lindsey, Prabowo’s main advantage is simply that he is not Jokowi.
Ba'asyir's bizarre on/off release disrupts Jokowi's campaign
2019 Indonesian Elections, Analysis, Politics, SecurityProfessor Tim Lindsey writes that Jokowi's backtracking on plans to release Abu Bakar Ba'asyir is a reminder that there are still powerful nationalist forces in government who regarded Islamist hardliners as an existential threat.
Post-reformasi Indonesia: the age of uncertainty
20 Years After Soeharto, Analysis, Foreign Policy, PoliticsIndonesia has achieved remarkable change since Soeharto stepped down. But Professor Tim Lindsey writes that where the country will head next is far from certain, and recent developments suggest its future may be less liberal and less welcoming of foreign engagement.
Australia and Indonesia: going separate ways?
Analysis, Foreign PolicyPrime Minister Malcolm Turnbull appears to have developed a strong rapport with President Joko Widodo. But Professor Tim Lindsey and Dr Dave McRae write that this may not be enough to overcome the mutual misunderstandings and suspicions, and tensions over human rights issues, that complicate the bilateral relationship.