Can the omnibus law do what its drafters claim, and bring investment and jobs to Indonesia?
Economy, PoliticsEven from an investment perspective, the controversial omnibus law looks set to underdeliver, writes Ahmad Syarif Syechbubakr.
Budget politics in Indonesia’s Covid-19 response
Analysis, Economy, Policies, Policy in Focus, Politics, Public healthRepeated amendments, growing tensions between the centre and the regions and a lack of public consultation appear to be part of the ‘new normal’ for Indonesia’s budget in 2020. But is there a better way? Akhmad Misbakhul Hasan dives into the politics of economic recovery from the pandemic.
The IA-CEPA, ‘public morals’, and dispute settlement
Economy, LawThe free trade agreement between Australia and Indonesia comes into force today. Kate Thresher examines the agreement, and concerns that investors' interests could come into conflict with interpretations of 'public morals' in Indonesia.
Freelancers forgotten amid the Covid-19 pandemic
Analysis, Economy, Human RightsFreelance workers in the creative industry are already vulnerable to exploitation. Fathimah Fildzah Izzati writes that many are suffering because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the government has shown little interest in helping them.
Talking Indonesia: Covid-19 and the economy
Economy, Public health, Talking IndonesiaWhat can Indonesia do to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 while also minimising the damage to the economy? Dr Charlotte Setijadi discusses this and more with Dr Puspa Delima Amri in the latest episode of Talking Indonesia.
Talking Indonesia: Covid-19 and the poor and vulnerable
Economy, Public health, Society, Talking IndonesiaAs the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic begin to take their toll on Indonesia's poor and vulnerable, what is the government doing to assist these groups? Dr Jemma Purdey chats to Athia Yumna in the latest episode of Talking Indonesia.
The false promise of ‘millennials’ and the digital economy
Corruption, Economy, Politics, SocietyRecent weeks have seen questions raised about the "millennial" special staffers in President Joko Widodo's inner circle. Ibnu Nadzir writes that these controversies are more than simply matters of poor governance.
Investment at all costs: Jokowi fails the coronavirus test
Analysis, Economy, Politics, Public healthPresident Joko Widodo's focus on the economy led him to initially ignore the seriousness of the coronavirus threat, writes Ahmad Syarif Syechbubakr.
Talking Indonesia: the gig economy
Economy, Talking IndonesiaCritics of the gig economy say it erodes workers' rights and makes work more precarious. How do these dynamics play out in Indonesia, where a large portion of the workforce is already in insecure and informal work? Dr Dave McRae speaks to Diatyka Widya Permata Yasih in the latest episode of Talking Indonesia.