A staggering $85 billion. That’s the projected cost to Southeast Asia of just a $10 per barrel increase in oil prices, according to the Asian Development Bank. Indonesia, a nation heavily reliant on fuel subsidies, is facing this reality head-on, exploring a delicate balance between maintaining economic stability and adapting to a volatile energy landscape. … Read more
Indonesia’s economic trajectory is undergoing a subtle but significant shift. While 2025 saw a concerted effort to address immediate economic pressures and foster open dialogue – a year described as one where Indonesia “stopped leaving things unsaid” – 2026 is poised to be the year of demonstrable commitment. This isn’t simply about continuing existing economic … Read more
Indonesia’s Ambitious Free Meals Program: A Test Case for Global Food Security Strategies Nearly one-third of Indonesian children under five experience stunting, a condition linked to chronic malnutrition and impaired cognitive development. This sobering statistic underscores the urgency behind President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship policy: a national free meals program. But 2024 isn’t just about delivering … Read more
CAMBRIDGE – President Prabowo Subianto recently proposed planting oil palm in Papua to increase biofuel production and lessen Indonesia’s reliance on fuel imports, a move that raises concerns about the potential trade-offs between energy security and the broader ecological and social value of the region’s forests. Oil Palm Expansion and Indonesia’s Energy Needs Indonesia currently … Read more