Entries by Virdika Rizky Utama, https://indonesiaatmelbourne.unimelb.edu.au/author/virdika-rizky-utama/

Indonesia, Israel and the OECD: What is really going on?

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The recent revelation that Indonesia is considering normalising ties with Israel as part of its bid to join the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has surprised the international community and the Indonesian public. The Indonesian government’s actual stance remains ambiguous. However, any move to normalise relations with Israel could have major repercussions for Indonesian foreign policy and the domestic political landscape.

What does the military’s new regional command structure mean for Indonesia?

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In late February, the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Commander-General, Agus Subiyanto, announced an intention to establish a military presence in each province by more than doubling the number of Kodams from 15 to 37. The move signals a concerning shift toward the reinvigoration of the military's dual function (Dwifungsi), a relic of the authoritarian New Order regime.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/306342/subianto-touts-rsppn-as-largest-military-hospital-in-indonesia

Prabowo victory secures Jokowi’s legacy

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Jokowi's legacy is a paradox. While he enjoyed the fruits of democracy brought about by the Reformasi era, his actions have undermined the foundations of the very democracy that brought him to power from relative obscurity.

Prabowo Subianto: Indonesia’s perennial strongman recast as the adorable grandpa

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Prabowo's political trajectory is a case study of resilience and reinvention. Throughout his long career he has faced accusations of war crimes, incompetence and even treason – and yet his detractors have never managed to end his political influence. This is due, in part, to Prabowo’s ability to repeatedly adapt his image. But as the 2024 election approaches, it is his most recent persona – that of an adorable grandpa for Indonesia’s Generation Z and millennial voters – that could be his most savvy.

Indonesian military back in the bureaucracy: the return of dual function?

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On 2 October, Indonesia passed a new civil service law – known as the ASN law – that reopens the door for the police and military to again take a more active role in Indonesian politics. With a presidential election just around the corner, does this new law signal impending electoral interference?

The Anies-Muhaimin Candidacy: mutual desperation or marriage of convenience?

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The Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar candidacy for the upcoming 2024 presidential election stitches together a disparate patchwork of ideological and religious interests. Virdika Rizky Utama dissects how this announcement impacts the political calculus in 2024.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rabhauke/30854273191/

The fight for Nahdlatul Ulama in 2024

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As Indonesia prepares for the 2024 general elections, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) – the nation's largest religious organisation – finds itself in at the centre of a political tug of war as presidential candidates and political parties actively jostle for its endorsement. NU’s leaders need to keep in mind that competition for NU’s endorsement has the potential to influence not only the country's political landscape, but also the organisation itself.

Who is Ganjar Pranowo?

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Megawati Soekarnoputri and Joko Widodo were both present at the announcement of Ganjar Pranowo's presidential candidacy on 21 April. But that doesn't mean the PDI-P team are united.

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