Tenggara Backgrounder April 18

Jokowi, Ma'ruf clinch victory: What's next?
Overview - Quick counts conducted by several pollsters indicate that Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Ma’ruf Amin swept to victory in the 2019 general elections. Not only has the pair secured the presidential and vice-presidential seats, their coalition parties also reportedly managed to dominate the legislative elections, winning the majority of seats in the House of Representatives. Following Jokowi and Ma’ruf’s crushing victory, it is very likely that the constellation of power in domestic politics would shift considerably.



KPU's professionalism at stake after overseas vote
Overview -  A week prior to the 2019 general elections, Indonesian citizens living overseas went to polling stations for early voting. However, a considerable number of voters in various cities around the world reportedly could not exercise their right due to technical constraints.   Overseas Elections Committees (PPLNs) could not accept many unregistered voters due to the time limit allowed by the law for them to vote.  



Mandiri's high-risk plan to acquire Permata
Overview -  After completing a due diligence process several weeks ago, Bank Mandiri is moving forward with the acquisition of Bank Permata. The negotiation with Bank Permata shareholders has reportedly begun this week. Although the plan can help the state-owned lender to become the biggest bank in Indonesia again, it poses several risks that so far, the State-owned Enterprise Ministry has been silent on the plan.



Economic challenges await president elect
Overview -  Business associations ranging from the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) to the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (Hipmi) have expressed hope that the new administration will eliminate more business barriers to improve the ease of doing business. They highlighted six issues namely taxation, investment, exports, energy, industry and labor; which should be prioritized by the new administration.