Politics 25 - Indonesia at Melbourne

Out of the rubble: Jakarta’s poor and displaced seek a vehicle for their voice

Analysis, Politics, Society, Urban planning

Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama’s time as leader has been marked by urban evictions on an unprecedented scale. Some 325 locations have been slated for eviction by the end of 2016, in the months approaching the 2017 governor’s elections. Dr Ian Wilson examines how urban poor groups, residents and their allies are mobilising and networking in response to the forced removals.

Is the MPR plotting an end to direct presidential elections?

Analysis, Law, Politics

For more than a year, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has been quietly working on plans to amend the 1945 Constitution for a fifth time, and reinstate the State Policy Guidelines (GBHN). Bivitri Susanti writes that although the term “state policy guidelines” might sound rather innocuous, the return of the GBHN could have grave political consequences.

Ahok's rise fuels racism in Indonesia

Analysis, Politics, Society

Anti-Chinese sentiment has deep roots in Indonesian society but there is a widespread perception that it has become worse over recent years, along with the rise of Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, or Ahok. Dr Robertus Robet writes that as Ahok's opponents have struggled to formulate effective criticism against him, they have resorted to unsophisticated appeals to primordial concerns.

Will the Arcandra debacle provide the impetus for dual citizenship?

Analysis, Law, Politics

Arcandra Tahar lasted just 20 days in cabinet, with the revelation that he also held US citizenship ending his stint as minister of energy and mineral resources. The former deputy minister of law and human rights, Professor Denny Indrayana, looks at the administrative errors that were made, and asks whether the incident will finally lead to action on multiple citizenship in Indonesia.

Teman Ahok: friends will be friends

Analysis, Political parties, Politics

Last month, Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama disappointed many of his supporters when he announced that he would run as a party-backed candidate in the 2017 election. Dr Dirk Tomsa takes a look at Teman Ahok, the volunteer group that campaigned for the governor to run as an independent. What's next for Teman Ahok, now that its reason for being no longer exists?

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.

Jokowi's reshuffle: playing it safe, again?

Analysis, Politics

President Joko Widodo appointed a new cabinet on 27 July, adding nine new faces. Burhanuddin Muhtadi writes that the reshuffle was a pragmatic move aimed at consolidating his now broad ruling coalition and providing him with greater freedom to implement his priority programs. He might appear to be playing it safe, Burhanuddin says, but this strategy is not without risks.

Talking Indonesia: Islamic populism

Politics, Religion, Talking Indonesia

Since the advent of democracy, Islam has become increasingly visible in Indonesian society and politics. But the electoral success of Islamic parties remains limited. How does this compare with the experiences of other Muslim-majority countries? Will Islamic parties ever be able to dominate Indonesian politics? Dr Ken Setiawan chats to Professor Vedi Hadiz about these issues and more in the latest Talking Indonesia podcast.

Jokowi: the trials of navigating through oligarchy