How corrupt, really, is Indonesian politics?
Corruption, Elections, Policy in Focus, PoliticsIn the first post in our new Policy in Focus series, Dr Ward Berenschot presents research looking at how common clientelism really is in Indonesia. A survey of more than 500 experts found that perceptions of clientelism varied considerably, and the character of local economies played an important role.
The power of emak-emak: empowering or patronising Indonesian women?
2019 Indonesian Elections, Analysis, Elections, Gender, PoliticsBoth pairs of presidential candidates are targeting women voters, and seeking to capitalise on "the power of emak-emak". Dr Dina Afrianty writes that while historically many women saw the term emak as empowering, its recent use by politicians is far less complimentary.
Talking Indonesia: the road to 2019
2019 Indonesian Elections, Elections, Politics, Talking IndonesiaMuch has changed in the political landscape since Joko "Jokowi" Widodo faced off against Prabowo Subianto in the 2014 Presidential Election. In Talking Indonesia this week, Dr Dave McRae talks to Associate Professor Marcus Mietzner about how these changes might affect the 2019 presidential race.
Talking Indonesia: local leadership
Elections, Politics, Talking IndonesiaThe 2018 regional elections saw convincing wins for several young reform-minded local leaders. In Talking Indonesia this week, Dr Dirk Tomsa speaks to one of these leaders, Dr Bima Arya Sugiarto, about the challenges of reform in an environment where corruption and patronage is widespread.
A polarised Indonesia? Elections, intolerance and religion
2019 Indonesian Elections, Analysis, Elections, Politics, ReligionReligious identity politics is increasingly becoming the norm in Indonesian elections. Dr Sandra Hamid calls for more attention to be paid to the period between elections, and how growing exclusivism in the practice of Islam can have implications for future electoral contests.
Rats in the ranks: here’s how the KPU should deal with corrupt candidates
2019 Indonesian Elections, Analysis, Corruption, Elections, PoliticsThe General Elections Commission (KPU) has taken a bold step to prevent corruption convicts from participating in future elections. Bahruddin suggests that this approach could be augmented with a strategy to shame corrupt candidates and parties on the ballot paper.
2018 regional elections: why is there a disconnect between local and national politics?
Analysis, Elections, Political parties, Politics, ReligionAbdil Mughis Mudhoffir and Rafiqa Qurrata A’yun take a look at the results of the 2018 regional elections. Rather than reflecting national-level dynamics, they write, the behaviour of political parties and politicians at the local level is defined primarily by opportunism.
Talking Indonesia: the 2018 regional elections
Elections, Politics, Talking IndonesiaOn 27 June, Indonesia held elections for mayors and governors in 154 districts and 17 provinces. In Talking Indonesia this week, Dr Dave McRae and a panel of leading political observers, Dr Charlotte Setijadi, Dr Philips Vermonte and Dr Eve Warburton, discuss the results and the broader implications for Indonesian politics.
How economic conditions affected voting in the 2014 election
2014 Indonesian Elections, Analysis, Economy, ElectionsWith the 2019 elections fast approaching, Dr Teguh Dartanto presents results from a recent research paper suggesting that in the 2014 Presidential Election, voters in villages with good economic conditions were more likely to vote for Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.