Backgrounder

Regional leaders, military embroiled in Rizieq brouhaha

Two weeks after his return, firebrand cleric and Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab has continuously sparked controversies. His decision to show off force in several areas across Jakarta and West Java has spiraled out of control, leading to not only alleged COVID-19 transmission among his followers and sympathizers, but also the summonses of two governors by the police and the ensuing deployment of Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers.

Industrial sugar scarcity looms as stocks deplete

The Indonesian Refined Sugar Association (AGRI) and the Forum of Inter-Industrial Associations of Refined Sugar Consumers have warned of looming scarcity of sugar as their stocks are depleting, with only enough sugar to cover their production until the end of the year. Yet, the government has not issued licenses for AGRI members to import raw sugar.

Edition

November 20, 2020

Enfant terrible Rizieq tests government’s tolerance

When Muhammad Rizieq Shihab returned from three years of self-exile in Saudi Arabia last week, the government knew the firebrand cleric spelled trouble. Yet, it still has no idea how to handle the founding chair of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) who constantly defies the law. With his growing clout and his effective use of Islam as a weapon, Rizieq is testing the government’s tolerance. The past week has shown that the government is still reluctant to confront him.

After one year in limbo, DEN has new independent members

After being left in limbo for more than one year, the National Energy Council (DEN) will function to safeguard the country’s energy transition after the government finally nominated 16 candidates for DEN’s independent board members. The House last week selected eight out of 16 candidates for the board members.

Edition

November 13, 2020

Jobs law still fraught with controversy

Shortly after the contentious Job Creation Law was signed by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo last week, a wave of criticism arose due to “fatal errors” found in the final draft. While this may strengthen justification for a judicial review of the law at the Constitutional Court, precedents suggest the government will not budge.

Garuda and 16 other tourism SOEs put under holding company

The SOEs Ministry has used the current health crisis as an opportunity to realize the long-planned establishment of a holding company for all SOEs in the tourism sector. A total of 18 SOEs, with total assets exceeding Rp 150 trillion (US$10.3 billion), would be put under a smaller, money-losing SOE, PT Survey Udara Penas with total assets of only Rp 49 billion as of the end of 2018.

Edition

November 6, 2020

Pushy Trump or meddling Biden: It makes no difference to Indonesia

Relations between Indonesia and the United States will not likely change significantly whoever wins the US presidency this week. When it comes to US foreign policy, the differences between Joe Biden and Donald Trump will primarily be of style – and to a lesser extent of emphasis – but not so much of content.

New zoning system to help investors enter Komodo National Park

Only two years after the Environment and Forestry Ministry introduced a new zoning system in Komodo National Park in 2012, the government gave away 465.17 hectares of land from the previously core zone and jungle zone for infrastructure development. Now, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is set to greenlight a new zoning system for the parks’ maritime areas, potentially harming the park’s biodiversity.