Backgrounder

When House and government change priority bills

The House of Representatives and the government have agreed to drop more than a dozen bills from this year’s priority list (Prolegnas). The compromise has fueled widespread speculation about skewed priorities of both the legislative and executive powers.

Ministerial regulation prepared for cycling, bike sharing

The Transportation Ministry is drafting a regulation on cycling, which has been getting fresh traction in cities like Jakarta as people seek new transportation options during the transition to the post-pandemic new normal. The regulation reportedly aims to create relevant traffic rules, ensure the safety of cyclists and provide ground rules for commercial bike-sharing as one of two major ride-hailing companies is planning to expand its services to include bike-sharing.

Edition

July 3, 2020

Jokowi rattles Cabinet with potential reshuffle

In recently circulated video footage, President Jokowi lambasted his ministers for their lackluster efforts in tackling the spread of COVID-19. Venting out his frustrations, the President threatened to take extraordinary measures, including dismissing ministers who failed to perform, as if to confirm reports about a Cabinet reshuffle, which many perceive as long overdue.

Shareholders tussle slows down Bukopin salvage

The tussle between Bosowa Corporindo and Kookmin Bank of South Korea – the two-largest shareholders of cash-strapped Bank Bukopin (BBKP) – have slowed down the process of salvaging Bukopin. Bosowa does not want to lose its status as a controlling shareholder, while at the same time, it has limited financial capacity, compared to Kookmin, to save Bukopin. This has prompted the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to step in.

Edition

June 26, 2020

Indonesia braces for COVID-19 second wave

The upbeat mood in Indonesia at the start of the month when people were looking forward to resuming life under the “new normal” has been subdued, with the government warning of a second wave of COVID-19. As Indonesia slowly lifts restrictions to allow people to return to work and tries to galvanize the economy, the government is watching closely reports of renewed rising infection rates in China, South Korea and many European countries.

Indonesia haphazard in attracting relocations from China

Indonesia needs to ramp up its efforts to attract American, Japanese and South Korean companies that plan to relocate production out of China. The government is undecided in regard to which industrial estate it will develop or choose to attract the relocations on account of the conflicting interests of those in power.

Edition

June 19, 2020

Indonesia renews search for simpler multiparty political system

Post-Soeharto Indonesia has embraced multiparty democracy, but exactly how many political parties does it take for democracy to function in a country with a huge and diverse population?

Kookmin, Bosowa fight to control Bank Bukopin

The fight between Makassar-based conglomerate Bosowa Corporation and South Korea-based Kookmin Bank to control publicly listed lender Bank Bukopin has reached its final stage, and the winner will be determined on Thursday through an annual shareholders meeting.