Security - Indonesia at Melbourne

Will the new Military Law bring back Soeharto’s Dual Function?

The sight of the military swarming the streets to prevent student protesters from disrupting a DPR plenary session brought back memories of President Soeharto’s New Order, when soldiers were an integral and oppressive part of Indonesian political and social life.

Big Brother is watching: Prabowo government tightens control of cyberspace with new digital monitoring agency

Analysis, Cyberspace, Policies, Security

In October, Communication and Digital (Komdigi) Minister Meutya Hafid told reporters that President Prabowo Subianto wanted to upgrade the nation’s digital oversight for security reasons. The president, the minister said, was paying special attention to digitalisation, specifically digital security, to address issues such as online gambling, predatory online lending schemes, and human trafficking.

After 75 years, it’s high time for RI-Oz special strategic partnership

Foreign Policy, Security

With strategic trust between the two countries at a high, Canberra should seize this moment to call for an elevation of Australia-Indonesia ties to a Special Strategic Partnership (SSP).

From barracks to Monas: TNI’s grandiose return to political centre stage

Analysis, Politics, Security

On 5 October 2024, the Indonesian National Military (TNI) celebrated its 79th anniversary with great fanfare at the National Monument (Monas) complex in Central Jakarta. Thousands of civilian onlookers flocked to see the ceremony, which received widespread media attention. Soldiers and military equipment moved down major thoroughfares towards the iconic monument during the city’s weekly car free day. Up to 100,000 military personnel took part in the event.

Expect the expected: Prabowo to continue military domination of the defence sector

Analysis, Security

As a former army general who now serves as defence minister under President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, president-elect Prabowo Subianto is expected to further marginalise civilian politicians in the country’s defence sector.

Questioning Indonesia's approach to the Taiwan Strait

Foreign Policy, Policies, Security

Indonesia appears to be paying little attention to the latest political dynamics in Taiwan, even though they could well disrupt the status quo of cross-strait relations.

JI’s decision to disband is for real

Analysis, Security

It was not some snap decision, easily reversed. It was the result of a nearly 15-year reconsideration of ends and means.

Indonesia’s TNI law revision: the continued rise of military politics

Politics, Security

As President Joko Widodo's administration comes to an end, the government is once again considering revising the Indonesian National Military (TNI) Law. These developments have led to fresh questions about the government’s commitment to pursuing its security sector reform agenda.

Talking Indonesia: food security

Economy, Security

In 2023 an EL Niño weather pattern across Indonesia made it the hottest year on record, leading to drought conditions and impacting rice production, with delayed harvests and low yields. Since late last year rice prices have continued to climb. In this episode of Talking Indonesia Jemma Purdey chats with Associate Professor Jamie Davidson, leader of the Cluster ‘Food Politics and Society' at the National University of Singapore, about the current state of food production and food security in Indonesia.

Posted in: Security