Analysis 5 - Indonesia at Melbourne

Acid attack on KontraS activist signals resurgence of New Order-style fascism

The latest political developments in Indonesia indicate that a Soeharto-esque fascism is reemerging.

Prabowo walks a fine line in responding to the Mideast crisis

The unilateral attack by the United States and Israel on Iran that risks a costly regional war in the Middle East has raised scrutiny over Jakarta’s move to join US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace (BoP), which critics saw as aligning too closely with Washington.

Will Indonesia ever fully embrace its ‘cultural citizens’ worldwide?

Analysis, Policies, Society

Many in the diaspora, particularly those without Indonesian passports, feel that government initiatives to engage the diaspora, including the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI), do not address core concerns such as property rights, political participation, and full recognition of their enduring ties to Indonesia.

A specific gig worker protection law for Indonesia?

Analysis, Law, Policies

At present, gig workers are excluded from coverage under the general labour law. The principle that they are ‘mitra’ (partners, or ‘independent contractors’), and not employees, is rooted in the basic definitions of employment under Indonesian law. In the meantime, there have been some ad hoc attempts to regulate app-based motorcycle taxi drivers by the Ministry of Transportation, including by setting minimum tariffs.

Illegal and unfair: Indonesia should not ratify Donald Trump’s tariff deals

Analysis, Economy, Foreign Policy

Even without the bombshell Supreme Court decision, there are major problems with the Indonesia-US tariffs agreement.

Laughing at power: the political significance of Pandji Pragiwaksono's ‘Mens Rea’

Analysis, Politics, Society

Mens Rea is filled with jokes that, in the context of Indonesian stand-up comedy, are often called materi pinggir jurang (cliff-edge material). They are dangeorous jokes, given the increasing risk of criminalisation that accompanies any critical expression in Indonesia.

One logic, two arenas: making sense of Prabowo’s Board of Peace decision

Analysis, Foreign Policy, Politics

While joining the Board of Peace offers short-term access to the US for Indonesia, the longer-term risks are more substantial.

Aurelie’s ‘broken strings’: Indonesia needs to criminalise child grooming and coercive control

Analysis, Law, Policies

Aurelie’s story should serve as a catalyst for improving child protection law in Indonesia. There are emerging forms of violence, such as grooming and coercive control, that still lack clear definitions and legal protection.

Credibility of Indonesia’s central bank and Constitutional Court at stake

Analysis, Law, Politics

On 27 January 2026, Indonesia saw two political appointments that will test the independence of two of its most important state institutions. One was the appointment of Gerindra Party politician Thomas Djiwandono, a nephew of President Prabowo Subianto, as deputy governor of Bank Indonesia (BI, the central bank of Indonesia). The other was the selection of senior Golkar Party politician Adies Kadir as a Constitutional Court justice.

Posted in: Analysis