National

Protection for Domestic Workers

Two factions in the House of Representatives refuse to deliberate the Domestic Workers Protection Bill. It is viewed as increasing the burden of the employers.

National

In-laws Lobbying for TNI Commander

Two military chiefs of staff are maneuvering in their quest to succeed Air Chief Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto. Andika Perkasa’s prospect is affected by his age of retirement, only a year away. Yudo Margono is hampered by the tragedy of Nanggala-402.

National

Turmoil at Krishna’s Shrine

Hare Krishna’s followers in Bali suffer from intimidation, which was supported by Governor I Wayan Koster.

National

Stuck in Authority Formation

Discussion on the Personal Data Protection bill is slow. The Indonesian government insists that the supervision is under the Ministry of Communication.

National

Striking a Chord with a Distant Cousin

An organization supporting Puan Maharani is growing in the provinces. There is support from the family of Taufiq Kiemas.

National

Terrorist Branded from Merdeka Barat

The plan to name armed groups in Papua as terrorist organizations is spurred with the death of the Papua State Intelligence Agency Chief. The government is taking steps to prevent Papuan independence.

Special Report

Lobbying the Champions

Supporters of Sexual Violence Eradication Bill are tirelessly lobbying political party leaders and parliament members. They mapped the legislators who could help accelerate the deliberation and passing of the bill into law. The activists switched their approach from hard-line to political lobbies. The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) is still standing in their way.

 

National

Rocking Muhaimin’s Boat

Some National Awakening Party (PKB) officials, who are removed before their terms ended, are closing ranks against Muhaimin Iskandar.

Cover Story

Party Politicians in the Villages Ministry

Problems abound for village assistants. These problems are in part due to structural changes at the villages ministry.

National

On Different Wavelengths

Some supporters of the Sexual Violence Eradication Bill are lobbying those who are against it in the House of Representatives. They have to face up to religious norms.

National

Brother Boy’s Party Moves for 2024

Political party leaders are beginning to maneuver for the upcoming presidential election. Some are eyeing for candidates outside of the party.

 

Cover Story

MUI Edict an Obstacle

The government’s efforts to persuade the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) to release a halal (permissible by Islamic law) fatwa (edict) for the AstraZeneca vaccine have been unsuccessful. Amid lobbying, MUI officials asked to be made commissioners at state-owned enterprises. The government then enlisted religious organizations in the regions so that a halal edict can be issued for the vaccine. With the vaccine’s expiration date approaching, the government is currently mapping regions more amenable to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

National

Forced Hijab in Minang Land

Discrimination against non-muslim students occurred for years in Padang. Padang City government refused to revise the problematic regulation.

Cover Story

Vaccine Opportunists

Non-health care professionals—including desk workers, socialites, bureaucrats, government officials, and family members of regional heads—were vaccinated in the first-stage vaccination program. Messy data is believed to be one of the causes of leaks in the vaccination program.

Cover Story

A Blemish on the Green Campus

After he was proven to have committed self-plagiarism, Muryanto Amin’s career still sailed smoothly until he became rector of the North Sumatra University. His article, published in a journal lacking in credibility, was used to obtain a professorship. Palace officials are said to have intervened.

Cover Story

The Efficacy Roller Coaster

The temporary results of the Sinovac vaccine’s clinical trials only contain data from 33 percent of participants. There is concern over transparency.

 

Cover Story

Qur’an Study minus the Green Star

Islam Defenders Front’s activities continue, but without its attributes. The police asked FPI leaders in the regions to accept the government’s decision.

National

Holiday Testing Blues

Minister Luhut Pandjaitan is encouraging the use of antigen tests, which is seen as being more affordable and faster compared to the PCR tests. The antigen tests price is much higher than the base cost of the test kits.

National

Papuan Shepherds’ Moral Appeals

Priests in Papua called for the retreat of soldiers and police. They criticize their bishops’ attitude.

Cover Story

One-Day Rice

AFTER one day, the rice Rina cooked had gone bad. The resident of Duren Sawit in East Jakarta was surprised by the quality of rice she obtained in the social aid package distributed by the social affairs ministry.