INDONESIA: Another cabinet minister falls to anti-corruption drive
The recent high-profile arrests of two cabinet ministers for corruption delivers several near-term benefits.However, only time will tell if these developments reflect real institutional momentum or are more of a public relations effort.The arrest of a minister from the president… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or E-mail Password […]
INDONESIA: Potential repercussions of the arrest of fisheries minister
The arrest of fisheries minister Edhy Prabowo may weaken Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and endanger his 2024 aspirations. Both President Joko Widodo and Prabowo have an interest in keeping his Gerindra party in the coalition, but Prabowo could still leave in a fit of spi… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
INDONESIA: The return of a controversial Islamic cleric could change politics
The firebrand cleric Rizieq Shihab could fill the political vacuum in the opposition. Often masking his messages in sanctimonious moralism, Shihab is adept at exploiting social and religious tensions to drive political polarization. Calculations around the 2024 presidential… Become a member to read the rest of this article
INDONESIA: The Worst Is Over in the Streets
The worst appears to have passed after three days of protests throughout Indonesia against the omnibus law on job creation, but the uncertainty about its fate will continue with a legal challenge likely to follow. Although labor unions were unable to mobilize as many participants… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
INDONESIA: Parliament approves jobs bill early, but verdict will have to wait
To head off protests planned for this week by the labor unions, the lower house of parliament (DPR) on Monday evening approved the omnibus bill on job creation; it will now go to President Joko Widodo for his signature. Some protests were reported in different parts of the countr… Become a member to read […]
INDONESIA: Labor plans general strike
Labor unions are threatening to hold a general strike from 6-8 October to force parliament to remove the provisions on labor law reforms in the omnibus bill on job creation or to defer its approval. Parliament wants to pass the law by 9 October, before it goes on break. As recen… Become a member […]
INDONESIA: Sri Mulyani may be playing the long game for reforms
The government’s careful approach to parliament’s draft changes to central bank (BI) law the past few weeks may be a signal that delicate negotiations lie ahead on two key reforms being considered by the government of President Joko Widodo. The possibility that the most controve… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
INDONESIA: Some progress in labor law reform, but still not enough clarity
Members of parliament and representatives of labor unions have agreed on the principles that should govern the drafting of reforms to the country’s labor law, which is arguably the most anticipated regulatory change in the administration’s omnibus bill on job creation. That discu… Become a member to read the rest of this article
INDONESIA: Doubling down on state enterprises
Indonesia is allocating a substantial amount of stimulus money to its state-owned enterprises.The government likely sees state firms as playing an important role in maintaining economic stability.The longer-term outcomes could be mixed, however, given the political pressures on … Become a member to read the rest of this article
ASIA: The politics of coronavirus – Weekly update
Below is the latest edition of our weekly Asia coronavirus update. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to discuss any of the countries mentioned in more detail. China After six new cases were discovered in Wuhan last weekend, authorities announced a plan to test th… Become a member to read […]