Economy 8 - Indonesia at Melbourne

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.

Oil and gas exploration: free the data

Economy, Natural Resources

Indonesian oil and gas exploration has been described as "in crisis", with analysts pinning the blame on excessive and contradictory regulations and an inefficient bureaucracy. Senior ABC journalist Helen Brown spoke to Andang Bachtiar about his efforts to improve data access in the sector in this piece for Indonesia at Melbourne.

Talking Indonesia: resource nationalism