Politics 2 - Indonesia at Melbourne

The president who cried wolf? Why Prabowo’s anti-foreign rhetoric is dangerous

By crying ‘foreign interference’ at every challenge to his authority, Prabowo risks eroding the credibility his government needs to face real external threats.

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

Analysis, Human Rights, Politics

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

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.

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.

Why is Prabowo pushing for legislation to counter disinformation and foreign propaganda?

Analysis, Human Rights, Politics

The Prabowo Subianto government is currently drafting a piece of legislation to counter disinformation and foreign propaganda amid allegations that hostile domestic and foreign actors are using cyberspace to undermine Indonesia’s national interests.

The end of local elections? Dynastic politics and the problem of democratic representation

Analysis, Elections, Politics

One criticism of direct pilkada is that they have contributed to a proliferation of political dynasties at the local level, and there is some truth in this. However, we doubt that transitioning from direct elections to appointment by the DPRDs is the solution to the problem of dynastic politics. In fact, we think it will only exacerbate it.

A year of protests: what 2025 says about Indonesian democracy

Politics, Review, Society

Indonesia’s pro-democracy forces cannot afford to remain divided. 2026 will not be easy for them. Whether Prabowo succeeds in consolidating his power or whether his bid to centralise political and economic power is met with opposition from other elites, the country is in for another tumultuous year.

Soeharto vis-à-vis Duterte: two opposite tales