The Research Agency Political Hostage
The future of BRIN is uncertain in the administration of Prabowo Subianto. It is caught up in a political deal with the PDI-P.
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The future of BRIN is uncertain in the administration of Prabowo Subianto. It is caught up in a political deal with the PDI-P.
There are indications that the police are taking sides in local elections in a number of regions. This is the next setback for democracy after the presidential election.
There are many irregularities in relation to the detention of Tom Lembong. Without sufficient evidence of corruption, this case can be considered as politicization, and not enforcement, of the law.
Established to provide an opportunity to obtain loans, Danantara could sink Indonesia into a debt quagmire. Risk mitigation is key.
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro explains BRIN’s position in the Prabowo government.
A collection of hundreds of cultural artifacts from the second phase of repatriation from the Netherlands is on display at the National Museum of Indonesia.
The position of BRIN remains uncertain under Prabowo Subianto’s administration. The restructuring of the research agency is hampered by political interests.
Jokowi and the police are helping to bring Ahmad Luthfi-Taj Yasin to victory in the Central Java Regional Head Election, allegedly pressuring village heads to show support.
Tom Lembong’s lawyer on the irregularities of his case.
Cartoon: Yuyun Nurrachman
Tom Lembong owns assets worth Rp101 billion but does not own a house. He does not live with his wife and children in Jakarta.
The Supreme Audit Agency uncovered violations in sugar import practices during various periods of the Trade Ministry. Only Tom Lembong, the Trade Minister for 2015-2016, is indicted.
The Attorney General’s Office is still withholding the evidence in the sugar import case involving Tom Lembong. State losses remain unclear.
BI faces a dilemma over cutting rates amid the global volatility stirred by Trump’s victory.
The Indonesia Investment Authority is set to merge with Danantara, but it still fails to optimize investments and faces ongoing issues with foreign investor confidence.
In the face of ambivalence, who is evil? It is those who choose greater evil or lesser evil.
The plan for a super-holding for state-owned enterprises dates back to the New Order era. The SOEs Ministry will be replaced by a giant corporation.
Danantara will reduce the authority of the SOEs Minister. Transferring the management of major SOEs will make the Ministry almost powerless.
Prabowo Subianto is establishing BPI Danantara to manage state-owned enterprises. There are reportedly tug-of-wars and a number of obstacles in the process, including the obligation to revise laws.
A reader hopes that the government will do more when it comes to protecting citizens’ lives.
The move by President Prabowo Subianto to save Sritex could well lead to corruption. A smart strategy is needed to rescue collapsing companies.
The food estate project in Central Kalimantan turned into an oil palm plantation. The government failed to learn from the mistakes of the past.
Ridwan Kamil should have realized from the start that the parties supporting him were not being sincere. The people will lose out.
With the Supreme Court’s judicial mafia, when one branch is lopped off, another 10 grow in its place. It needs to be comprehensively cleaned up.
Judge bribery suspect Zarof Ricar was once a high-ranking Supreme Court official. He bankrolled a film about a judge.
The Supreme Court dismissed three judges suspected of accepting bribes in the Ronald Tannur case. This adversely impacts efforts to improve the judiciary.
The three judges who acquitted Ronald Tannur often reported for ethics violations. Their bank accounts show transactions amounting to the billions.
The Rp920 billion found in Zarof Ricar’s house is suspected of being related to arranging court case verdicts. The Corruption Eradication Commission once detected his corrupt exploits.
Judicial Commission Chair Amzulian Rifai on the corruption in judicial institution involving judges.
The food estate program, or rice field creation initiative in Central Kalimantan, was neglected and instead converted into oil palm plantations owned by private companies.
Ridwan Kamil’s electability remains stagnant in the Jakarta regional head election. His supporting parties are not actively campaigning for him, leaving him hoping for support from Prabowo and Jokowi.
Prabowo Subianto orders four ministers to rescue the bankrupt textile company Sritex. A potential bailout from the state is on the table.
Interviews with Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita and Sritex President Commissioner Iwan Setiawan Lukminto on the company’s bailout.
Cartoon: Yuyun Nurrachman
After Sritex, other major textile companies are also collapsing. Incentives and support are needed to curb imported goods.
Capital outflow becomes increasingly clear at the outset of Prabowo’s administration. The large cabinet undermines investors’ confidence.
Kamala Harris champions women’s legal and political rights, countering Donald Trump’s machismo.
Former Trade Minister Thomas Lembong is arrested by the Attorney General’s Office over corruption allegations. When will other ministers be questioned?
Prabowo Subianto is hoping to erase his sins in relation to the 1998 kidnappings. Gross human rights violations will not be a priority.
The obligation to obtain halal certification leads to higher economic costs and corruption. Labeling products that are non-halal would be more efficient.
Jokowi’s son-in-law, Bobby Nasution is caught up in alleged bribery involving a mining permit in North Maluku. He is accused of selling his influence.
A number of problematic individuals are appointed to Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet. It will be difficult for the government to be effective in its first one or two years.
The term “Medan Block” emerged during the trial of former North Maluku Governor, Abdul Gani Kasuba. Medan Block is believed to refer to pre-allocated nickel mining concessions in Halmahera.
Former North Maluku Governor Abdul Gani Kasuba acknowledged meeting with Bobby Nasution but claimed he gained no advantage from it.
Bobby Nasution is suspected of managing the Medan Block nickel mine since 2021. He met with Abdul Gani Kasuba before becoming the Mayor of Medan.
Entrepreneurs complain about the costly and complicated halal certification process. They must pay monthly fees for supervision.
Halal certification is slow due to inadequate supporting infrastructure. It has the potential to trigger a high-cost economy.
Entrepreneurs are pressured by the mandatory halal certification regulations. The costs associated with obtaining halal labels are considered expensive, and the procedures are complicated.
Three East Java gubernatorial candidates—Luluk, Khofifah, and Risma—talk about the competition in the 2024 regional head elections.
Prabowo Subianto appointed ministers and deputy ministers with problematic backgrounds in his cabinet. Several of them are closely associated with businessman Haji Isam.
The PDI-P received the most positions as leaders of the DPR working bodies. Surya Paloh met with Bahlil Lahadalia to discuss the allocation of commission chairs.
The new ministries and agencies established by Prabowo Subianto cannot operate immediately. Some lack office space, have tight budgets, and are short on staff. The authority of the Haj and Umrah Organizing Agency even violates the law.
The rupiah is weakening amid the power transition, with global factors also exerting heavy pressure.
The new government under Prabowo Subianto is already formed. Can we hope for what the future holds?
Driven by corporate demand, helicopter business opportunities continue to grow. Operators are increasingly expanding their fleets.
The phrase “human rights” was lost from Prabowo Subianto’s inauguration speech.
Food, like language, clothing, and customs, is a marker of our roots. Especially in the past.
Cartoon: Yuyun Nurrachman
Rohingya refugees in Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines are treated differently than those in Indonesia.
The Rohingya refugees living in Pekanbaru have more freedom to move around and reside in lodgings. Their children can also attend school.
The increasingly overcrowded refugee camps demand improvements in the mechanisms for handling Rohingya refugees. The number of refugees continues to rise.
Several Rohingya refugees successfully built their careers in various fields. They continued to work and raised awareness about the plight of displaced Rohingya refugees.
Rohingya refugees are still living in several inadequate temporary shelters in Aceh.
There are indications of problems with the IPO of Barito Renewables Energy. The stock exchange and capital markets authorities are neglecting their responsibilities.
There is an increasingly real threat to Indonesia’s biodiversity. It cannot be overcome through empty slogans at international forums.
The KPK should designate Sahbirin Noor a fugitive. There is a good chance the South Kalimantan Governor will go free.
How did Prabowo Subianto decide on the composition of his cabinet? There are indications that several prospective ministers were proposed by tycoons.
Prabowo Subianto is inheriting an inefficient economy. Yet his new administration is likely to follow Jokowi’s economic model.
The Joko Widodo administration leaves a heavy burden for state-owned enterprises. Many projects result in big debts.
President Jokowi entrusted his confidants to join Prabowo’s cabinet. Several ‘volunteers’ also received positions.
Prabowo Subianto formed a large cabinet to accommodate the interests of parties, businessmen, and his supporters. Mining entrepreneur Haji Isam is suspected of proposing several ministerial candidates.
KPU Chair Mochammad Afifuddin on turbulence within his institution following the dismissal of Hasyim Asy’ari, and the Constitutional Court’s decision on the regional head elections.
Megawati reportedly did not approve of PDI-P cadres entering Prabowo’s cabinet. She chose Pramono Anung to communicate with Prabowo.
The Stock Exchange detects alleged violations in the IPO of Barito Renewables Energy. There are indications of maneuvering around public shareholding requirements.
Cartoon: Yuyun Nurrachman
Sri Mulyani and several economic ministers from Jokowi join Prabowo’s cabinet, with encouragement from two former presidents.
Indonesia’s delegation at COP16 CBD in Cali, Colombia, is not led by a minister. Biodiversity funding is at risk of not being agreed upon.
South Kalimantan Governor Sahbirin Noor is suspected of receiving commissions on three projects in the e-catalog. He has not been seen since being named a suspect.
Uncertain future looms over Rohingya refugees in Indonesia. They are also struggling with various limitations.
Empathy is the key to happiness. We are happy when we help others, we are happy when we do good.
OJK’s right of reply and a remembrance to Mochtar Lubis who wrote about government.
The KPK uncovered alleged embezzlement of the Taspen pension fund involving Sinarmas Sekuritas. The result of poor supervision by the OJK.
A number of policies from Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono are riddled with conflicts of interest. They benefit his son, Indra Trenggono.
There are indications that the selection of the KPK leadership for the 2024 to 2029 period is in breach of a Constitutional Court ruling. The process needs to be rerun.
Jokowi is like a king reluctant to relinquish his crown. Nearing retirement, he is still trying to improve his image.
A reader’s letter suggests authorities seek ways for safe and efficient logistics transportation, in order to minimize traffic accidents.
Farwiza Farhan, the winner of the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay award talks about conservation of the Leuser Ecosystem in Aceh.
The KPK Leadership and Supervisory Board Selection Committee claimed to have followed procedures, and Jokowi reportedly did not intervene.
Various parties from the National Police Chief to the State Palace are accused of interfering in the KPK leadership candidates selection process. The candidates are divided into four clusters.
The KPK is investigating Taspen’s investment losses. Sinarmas is behind the transaction.
The family members of some ministers enter the fishery business. Other problems, such as the activity of illegal foreign vessels and the abuse of crew members, still prevail.
Explanations from State Secretary Minister Pratikno and Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry on fishery business and the case of illegal ships in eastern Indonesia.
Illegal fishing and slavery continue to occur in Indonesian waters. Crew members are vulnerable to abuse.
Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono revives a shutdown port. There is indication that the minister’s son is involved in the fisheries business.
Tempo’s interview with Minister of Communication and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi about Jokowi’s campaign before the end of his tenure.
Jokowi’s campaign promoting his successes is considered as not portraying actual conditions. Customary communities are among the victims of his administration.
After stepping down, Jokowi will return to Solo, accompanied by his loyal supporters. He is not having a lavish farewell in order to avoid any negative sentiment.
As President Jokowi's term neared its end, instructions were given to promote the government's achievements, and billions of rupiah in contracts were offered to the media.
The market showed no positive reaction ahead of Prabowo Subianto's government, which was held back by the high amount of debt.
Life is not always about science and philosophy. This is where literature shows its value.
Silas Papare and some residents in Serui founded the Irian Indonesian Independence Party. They were assisted by Sam Ratulangi.
Silas Papare helped the Allies fight against the Japanese in West Irian. He supported Indonesian independence because of conflict with the Netherlands.
Silas Papare was close to Sukarno. He refused to participate in the 1969 referendum because he was once arrested by the military.
Top management of Bank Mayapada allegedly obtained kickbacks from customer credit disbursements. The OJK was lax in their oversight of this bank owned by a member of the Presidential Advisory Council.
Learning from Japan. When development is planned, the government discusses it with the public until an agreement is achieved.
On moral lessons from Japan and the USA, and how the BPK should prevent state budget corruption.
The Bukalapak initial public offering (IPO) is the beginning of a list of digital unicorns entering Indonesian Stock Exchange. Retail investors and public fund managers need to be cautious.
Bukalapak is breaking new record at the Indonesian Stock Exchange. Speculations on the potential big investors remain.
Delving further into the literary works of Nobel laureates from Japan like Kawabata and Yukio Mishima, we can notice the very paternalistic puritan morals of Asian nations.
I WAS a participant with the highest rating in the #maudigaransimurah program of Bukalapak carried out on October 7-December 31, 2019.
The promise of fast and cheap Internet access in outer regions through the Palapa Ring has yet to materialize. The stumbling block is connecting the Internet to the optic fibre cable network.
Malaysia's political crisis began when Mohamed Azmin Ali and a number of parliament members from Pakatan Harapan (The Alliance of Hope) met with opposition parties.
With 'stone' as the common thread, Babad Batu is a cerebral journey on a road with many side roads. Sapardis latest collection is encyclopedic, primordial and political.
To some conservative Japanese reactionaries, writer Aiko Kurasawa is unpatriotic because she wrote a book on the cruelty of the Japanese military in Javanese villages. She has been branded by some as a communist. Kurasawa's interest in Indonesia began a long time ago, when she first read about Sukarno, whom she regards as a hero of the Asia-African movement. Not surprisingly, when the 1965 events exploded, she was devastated upon reading about the resulting fall of Sukarno. "I was shocked," said Kurasawa, who was recently interviewed at her home in south Jakarta.
Regarded as the Golden Age of Indonesian history, the vast maritime empire of Majapahit reached its apogee in the 14th century. Though it thrived for only 300 years (late 13th century to early 16th century), Majapahit was Indonesia's greatest state, the last in a long line of Buddhist and Hindu Javanese kingdoms. Islam had ostensibly erased Indian cultural traditions by the 16th century, yet Buddhist-Hindu traces can still be seen in the rituals and architecture of the kraton courts of Bali and central Java, and innumerable motifs and styles of the earlier cultures are found everywhere in Indonesian art.
For the second time this year, and against his doctor's advice, senior economist Gustav F. Papanek from Boston University returned to Indonesia. With a new government in place, this 87-year-old former advisor to the 'Berkeley Mafia'influential economists of the New Order erafelt the need to address a very urgent problem: The declining income of the poor, which as he noted "is immoral and also politically undesirable; therefore, it is important to take substantial steps to increase their income. The only way you can do that is by providing industrial jobs."
Although he was unable to meet President Joko Widodo, he managed to meet Sofyan Djalil, Economic Coordinating Minister; General Moeldoko, Armed Forces Chief; and ChatibBasri, former Finance Minister, and gave talks in three universities and Bank Mandiri as well as numerous interviews with the media. In a packed schedule, averaging two presentations a day, he found ways to push his ideas.
The banking business is in a flux as a result of the war of interest rates among banks. But the owner of the Mayapada Group, Dato Sri Tahir, is optimistic that the banking sector in Indonesia will continue to grow. "Growth depends on situations and conditions," Tahir told Tempo, two weeks ago. Having travelled all over the world, Tahir concluded that the best investment opportunities are still found in Indonesia.
He believes that investment opportunities in Indonesia are still better and that includes the business prospects of his Mayapada Group. He told Tempo reporter Christine Munthe in an interview that he would never sell Mayapada for whatever price. Excerpts:
Slum dwellings can be found throughout the Sunda Kelapa zone. Developing the area will require a major clean up.
Early in March, Agus Aris Munandar, an archeology professor at the University of Indonesia, presented a controversial lecture: there were no canals in Majapahit. He refuted all theories that Majapahit was a canal city, including the intensive research by senior archeologist Mundardjito. How did Mundardjito react?
Lured by bombastic ads on local and national television, thousands of cancer patients have become victims of the Harapan Baru traditional Chinese clinics, particularly its branch in Medan, North Sumatra. Harapan Baru guarantees cures with its herbal treatment while infusing patients intravenously with chemotherapy, an illegal procedure given that the traditional healers are not licensed to practice modern medicine. Steroids about 200 times the strength of morphine are another 'magical' cure. This medical and ethical violation has been going on for years, yet the regulatory seem to turn a blind eye.
A number of researchers have been to Holland in search of traces of the Sundanese dangding poetry of Hasan Mustapa, trying to find original manuscripts of this little known literary figure.
The burial ritual for Granny Kapa involved 400 residents, a month’s preparation, and costs around Rp1 billion.
He was known to be close to Japan but he was smart enough to lessen their pressure and to usher in the proclamation of Indonesia’s independence.
Japan’s Democratic Party won a landslide victory in the recent general election. But the public still doubts Yukio Hatoyama’s capability as the new Prime Minister.
This travel account penned by 21 Indonesian architects in Japan is not merely concerned with buildings.
There have been increasing demands to implement one of the key elements of the 1998 Reforms. Indeed, a number of things have been achieved, like cutting down the military’s political rights in parliament during the 2004 General Elections. Law No. 34/2004 on the TNI says the TNI businesses must be cleaned up. After the data collection team—implemented by Secretary of State-Owned Enterprises, Said Didu—verification will be carried out by the National Team on TNI Assets Takeover, led by Erry Riyana Harjapamekas.
For years, a timber mafia worked in unison to plunder the forests of Ketapang, West Kalimantan. They consist of dealers, loggers, members of the Forestry Office, police officers, officials of the Forestry Department and authorities from the local regency government. The Joint Team of National Police Headquarters and the Forestry Department estimates that state losses amount to Rp32.4 trillion annually. This is equivalent to 26 times the 2008 regional budget for West Kalimantan province.
Three weeks ago, the Joint Team was able to dismantle the mafia’s timber network in Ketapang. Among those arrested were the head of the Ketapang Office of Forestry, the Chief of the Ketapang District Police, and a candidate for the office of regent. Tempo reports from Ketapang.
The crewmen of a Japanese ship abducted in the Malacca Strait were released. Tokyo has urged that security in the area be increased.
One Japanese cosmetic company holds 24 patents over Indonesian indigenous plants. Must we now pay taxes on the spices in our own backyards?
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