Tenggara Backgrounder April 12

Debate behind repatriating IS sympathizers emerges
Overview -  With the fall of the Islamic State (IS) in Syria, countries around the world are sharing a dilemma: Should they repatriate their citizens who joined the terrorist group and thus ensuring their rights of protection while risking the spread of radicalism at home? Indonesia, which has dozens of its citizens stranded at Al-Hol refugee camp in East Syria, is one of the countries that must decide what to do with these people.



Prabowo’s Islamism: A make or break card?
Overview -  The massive campaign rally held by Prabowo Subianto, the lone challenger in the April 17 presidential race, at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (GBK) in Jakarta on April 7, was most notable for its powerful Islamism message. This exclusivism agenda troubled not so much non-Muslim voters, most of whom support incumbent President Joko “Jokowi’ Widodo, but it alarmed many of Prabowo’s own supporters, not the least the Democratic Party, one of the four political parties in the coalition in his campaign. Turning to Islamism seemed like a desperate make or break strategy.

Is establishing Aviation holding SOE the solution?
Overview -  The government mulls the establishment of aviation holding company after a series of controversies such as allegation of cartel in, airfare and cargo fee hikes, as well as the issuance of two regulations by the Transportation Ministry favoring higher airfare and cargo fee. By establishing an aviation holding company, the government plans to synergize air transportation infrastructure development planning with Garuda’s business expansion, while helping the national air carrier to save operational expenses.



LinkAja!, QRIS to raise competition in Emoney market
Overview -  The competition for server-based electronic money service will tighten following the introduction of LinkAja! e-money by three state banks and state-owned telecom company Telkomsel to challenge the domination of Go-Pay and OVO. In a related development, Bank Indonesia announced that it plans to standardize QR code for payment into Integrated QR Indonesia System (QRIS).