Just 15% of Indonesia’s vast archipelago is considered fully prepared for natural disasters, a statistic that underscores the critical need for a robust and rapidly deployable military force. This isn’t simply about responding to earthquakes and tsunamis; it’s about securing a nation increasingly positioned at the nexus of global power dynamics and facing a complex … Read more
JAKARTA – Indonesia has agreed to purchase Italian-made M-346 Master trainer jets and Russian-made Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum jet fighters, signing Letters of Intent (LoIs) during the Singapore Airshow. M-346 Acquisition A LoI was signed between Leonardo, PT E-System Solutions Indonesia, and the Indonesian Ministry of Defense (MoD) for the supply and support of the Leonardo … 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
A chilling pattern is emerging in Indonesia: the weaponization of laws designed to combat misinformation and protect public order to silence critical voices. Recent incidents, from investigations into government critics following natural disasters to the increasing intimidation of activists, reveal a deliberate constriction of civic space. This isn’t simply a localized issue; it’s a bellwether … Read more
Indonesia’s New Criminal Code: A Harbinger of Regional Authoritarian Drift? Nearly 80% of Indonesians support the death penalty for drug traffickers, a statistic that underscores the complex interplay between public opinion and increasingly restrictive legal frameworks in Southeast Asia. This backdrop is critical to understanding the recent ratification of Indonesia’s revised criminal code, a move … 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