Is Jokowi still a political force?
Analysis, PoliticsTwo weeks after leaving the State Palace and transferring his official position to President Prabowo Subianto, it looks like Jokowi is not retiring from politics, as he once claimed he planned to do.
A Prabowo and Sugiono foreign policy: substantive or performative change?
Analysis, Foreign PolicyThe fact that Prabowo retained 18 members of Jokowi’s cabinet – Sri Mulyani Indrawati as finance minister and Airlangga Hartarto as coordinating economy minister are among the notables he retained – but appointed Sugiono as his foreign minister, rather than reappoint the experienced Retno Marsudi, clearly signalled that Prabowo intends to be heavily involved in foreign policy making decisions.
Prabowo’s ‘fat’ and accommodating cabinet
AnalysisOn the evening of October 20, President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia revealed his first cabinet after officially taking office that day, succeeding Joko "Jokowi" Widodo. It is the largest cabinet Indonesia has had since 1966.
It takes two to tango: Why dynastic politics is on the rise in Indonesia
Analysis, Elections, PoliticsIt is suggested here that the emergence of political dynasties, including Jokowi’s, has been facilitated by Indonesian voters’ indifferent, if not even supportive, attitude towards dynastic politics.
Jokowi’s 10-year presidency: a tragedy for Indonesia’s democracy?
AnalysisFor some, Jokowi’s biggest legacy may be the greater economic prosperity he promoted. For others it may be Nusantara, the new capital city project in East Kalimantan that he launched. But his longest lasting legacy may be the damage he has done to democracy.
From barracks to Monas: TNI’s grandiose return to political centre stage
Analysis, Politics, SecurityOn 5 October 2024, the Indonesian National Military (TNI) celebrated its 79th anniversary with great fanfare at the National Monument (Monas) complex in Central Jakarta.
Thousands of civilian onlookers flocked to see the ceremony, which received widespread media attention. Soldiers and military equipment moved down major thoroughfares towards the iconic monument during the city’s weekly car free day. Up to 100,000 military personnel took part in the event.
For Prabowo, Gibran’s online past is less of a problem than his offline future
Analysis, Elections, PoliticsA troll social media account under the name of Fufufafa in Indonesia’s oldest chat forum, Kaskus, has sparked speculation about the relationship dynamics between president-elect Prabowo Subianto and vice president-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of outgoing President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.
Expect the expected: Prabowo to continue military domination of the defence sector
Analysis, SecurityAs a former army general who now serves as defence minister under President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, president-elect Prabowo Subianto is expected to further marginalise civilian politicians in the country’s defence sector.
How Prabowo’s 8% growth target will shape Indonesia’s fiscal policy
Analysis, Economy, PoliciesPresident-elect Prabowo Subianto has set an ambitious target of achieving 8% economic growth during his first term. This goal is driven by the intention to lift Indonesia out of the middle-income trap and propel it towards high-income status by 2045.