Featured Article 9 - Indonesia at Melbourne

Talking Indonesia: Dirty Vote II o3

Politics, Society, Talking Indonesia, Uncategorized

In this week's episode, Dr Jacqui Baker talks to 'Dirty Vote' presenter Dr Zainal Arifin Mochtar about the sequel of the 2024 documentary film that attracted more than 6 million viewers in the first two days of release.

The Whoosh debt debacle: what the need for speed will cost Indonesia

Analysis, Economy, Infrastructure, Policies, Whoosh

Intended to symbolise Indonesian national pride when it began operations in October 2023, Whoosh has a speed of 350 kilometres per hour and a massive price tag of over US$7 billion, funded by Chinese state-owned finance providers. Indonesia’s Whoosh debt now amounts to US$5.4 billion (75 percent of total project costs), triggering criticism across the country and a corruption investigation.

The tip of the iceberg? Preacher’s inappropriate acts expose Indonesia’s weak child protection systems

Analysis, Religion, Society

The government has issued regulations to show its commitment to addressing sexual abuse in religious institutions. Still, its actions are insufficient to meet its stated goals, due to a lack of practical policy implications, inadequate funding, or inconsistent attitudes.

Prabowo’s pick of Indonesian deputy envoy for China leaves questions

Analysis, Foreign Policy

With the absence of explanations from the Indonesian government regarding her credibility, Irene’s track record seems distant indeed from the profile of the sort of person who should be at the frontier of Indonesia’s diplomatic efforts at time of growing geopolitical tensions.

Losing altitude: private jet scandal tarnishes KPU’s integrity

Analysis, Elections

A closer look at the private jet rental scandal reveals deeper concerns about the questionable professionalism of the electoral commission. Why did the KPU opt for an exclusive and luxurious aircraft like the Embraer Legacy 650?

Of heroes and villains: Prabowo’s playbook for power and historical revisionism

Analysis, History, Politics

By elevating figures like Soeharto, the government legitimises past authoritarian rule and normalises such practices in the present, thereby strengthening the current president’s grip on power. This strategy allows the government to consolidate authority while sidestepping accountability.

Prabowo’s Gaza engagement signals new foreign policy ambitions

Analysis, Foreign Policy

Prabowo has taken a gamble by leaving ASEAN behind to project a global role for Indonesia. But, realistically, Indonesia does not have the credibility or capability for such a role - especially as Prabowo is also seeking to spend trillions of rupiah to fund expensive populist policies such as the nutritious free meal program.

Indonesian civil society shows resilience in the face of ‘activist hunt’ crackdown

Analysis, Politics, Society

The ongoing ‘activist hunt’ is a part of an alarming pattern of growing pressure against civil society in Indonesia. It is part of the larger trend of democratic regression and the shrinking of civic space in Indonesia that seems to have accelerated after Prabowo’s rise to power.

Talking Indonesia: free nutritious meals program

Analysis, Society, Talking Indonesia

In the ten months since the Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis, MBG) program was launched, more than 11,000 students and school staff have suffered food poisoning, including many severe cases. In this week's episode, Jemma Purdey chats with Irma Hidayana, a public health consultant and co-initiator of MBG Watch, about Prabowo's flagship program.

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