The slow issuance of import permits is causing the price of garlic to skyrocket. The government is retaining the RIPH requirements for garlic imports.

The Indonesian Ombudsman found irregularities in the issuing of import permits for garlic. An arena for quota brokers to play their games.

Importers complain to the Ombudsman about sluggish garlic permits. There are suspicions of backhanded fees in order to get quotas.

Ombudsman member, Yeka Hendra Fatika, on corruption surrounding garlic imports involving Trade Ministry officials.

The plan to redevelop Rempang Island must be halted. The government cannot force people to leave their villages.

Weekly news summary, from widely voiced criticism aimed at the Constitutional Court to Jokowi’s move to reopen sea sand export that stirs public ire.

Endar Priantoro reports Firli Bahuri to the Indonesian Ombudsman. The police and the KPK’s Supervisory Board are on the move.

Bappebti Chief Didid Noordiatmoko responds to the Ombudsman’s accusation of maladministration in the appointment of the planned crypto exchange manager.

Reforms of the National Police have continued for more than 20 years. ‘Certain individuals’ are always blamed.

The Ombudsman receives a litany of reports about conflicts over land, civil servant recruitment, and now the appointments of acting regional heads. The agency calls for budget cuts as a sanction for the regions in the red zone for failing to meet the public service compliance standards.

The explanation of Hery Susanto, an Ombudsman member, about the nickel mining licensing muddle in Central Sulawesi.

The Indonesian Ombudsman finally intervened in the rice import polemic last March. Agency Chair Mokhammad Najih said the government’s planned rice import ahead of the prime harvest season had discomposed the public, particularly farmers, while in fact the import would not become necessary until May. Moreover, the agency also found maladministration in the policy making process. Najih added that the Ombudsman had strengthened its role in helping improve the public service quality. In addition to following through with public reports and complaints, it will continue to enhance oversight of the ministries and state agencies. The focus of the watchdogs’ new board will be on economic development issues and their impact on public services. Najih also highlighted the need to expand his agency’s authority.