Economy 7 - Indonesia at Melbourne

The Soeharto family: where are they now?

20 Years After Soeharto, Economy, Explainer, Politics, Society

President Soeharto left office in 1998 amid public fury about the special treatment given to his six children. Dr Helen Pausacker writes that in the 20 years since, Soeharto's children have seen their influence decline, but continue to live prosperous lives and have made several attempts to launch political careers of their own.

Reflections on 20 years of reform: former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer

20 Years After Soeharto, Economy, Foreign Policy, Human Rights, Interview

To mark 20 years since the fall of Soeharto and the New Order regime, Indonesia at Melbourne is speaking to a range of prominent figures about their views on the reform process. Today we speak to Alexander Downer, Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1996-2007.

Old money: Indonesia beyond cronyism

20 Years After Soeharto, Analysis, Economy

During Soeharto's 32 years in power, a small number of privileged business tycoons were able to accumulate extraordinary amounts of wealth. Professor Howard Dick and Jeremy Mulholland look at what has happened to Soeharto's cronies and the relationship between power and capital since the fall of the New Order.

Talking Indonesia: Jokowi's economic policies

Economy, Talking Indonesia

How has the Joko Widodo administration performed on economic management? How successful has the tax amnesty program really been? And has the government’s perceived new emphasis on ties with China changed Chinese involvement in the economy? Dr Dave McRae explores these issues and more with Dr Yose Rizal Damuri, in the latest Talking Indonesia podcast.

Jokowi's cabinet reshuffle: implications for the economy

Analysis, Economy, Politics

President Joko Widodo's economy-focused cabinet reshuffle on 27 July has been described as evidence of his growing talent for managing political relationships. But as Matthew Busch writes, while the reshuffle might be a political success, it should not be assumed the gloss extends to the economy.

Why Indonesia will not be Asia’s next giant

Analysis, Economy, Foreign Policy

Over the past few years, the idea that Indonesia will be the next rising power in Asia has grown in prominence among academics and political and business leaders. But Professor Richard Robison argues that a number of characteristics of the Indonesian state mean that these "great power" aspirations will remain unfulfilled.

Don't care how, I want it now! Who are kelas menengah ngehe - the awful middle class?

Analysis, Economy, Society

Indonesians often complain about kelas menengah ngehe, or the "awful middle class", on social media. But despite the ubiquity of the term, there is little consensus on how to define it. Who are the awful middle class? And what makes them so ngehe? Dr Salut Muhidin takes a look at the phenomenon.

Rising divide: why inequality is increasing and what needs to be done

Analysis, Economy

Since the 1990s, inequality has risen faster in Indonesia than in any other East Asian country except China. What is causing rising inequality, and how is the Jokowi administration addressing it? What still needs to be done? Dr Matthew Wai-Poi, from the World Bank in Jakarta, examines Indonesia's rising divide.

Talking Indonesia: inequality

Analysis, Economy, Talking Indonesia

Inequality in Indonesia has reached record levels. What is driving this inequality, and what does Indonesian society look like as a result? Dr Dave McRae explores these issues and more with Dr Matthew Wai-Poi in the latest Talking Indonesia podcast.

Posted in: Economy