Backgrounder

Government to expedite vaccine rollout with commercial scheme

In tandem with the social restrictions imposed across Java and Bali, the government also relies on the vaccination drive to relieve the burden on overstretched health care. However, amid the relentless Delta-driven second wave of COVID-19, the government launched a privately paid inoculation program, only to draw much backlash and spark confusion.

Govt, House rescue Jakarta-Bandung HSR project

On June 14, House of Representatives Commission VI approved the government’s rescue plan for the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway project. The project has been suffering from cost overrun amounting US$2.4 billion, or 43.6 percent of the project’s original price tag of $5.5 billion.. The burden will be borne by state-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) with the assistance of a state capital injection (PMN) of Rp 8.49 trillion ($585 million).

Edition

July 9, 2021

Doubts over govt's competence as COVID-19 crisis mounts

The COVID-19 crisis in Indonesia reached epic proportions this week, with the daily infection and death rates setting record levels while the country’s healthcare system is bursting at the seams. The government has imposed a new form of strict lockdowns across Java and Bali for July 3-20. But for many, this response may have come too little and too late.

Mitsui, Itochu to exit coal business in Indonesia

Japan-based Mitsui & Co. has finally found a way to pull out of its investment in PT Paiton Energy, an independent power producer (IPP) that operates one of the biggest coal-fired power plants in Indonesia. Mitsui has signed a sale and purchase agreement with RH International (Singapore) Corporation (RHIS) to sell all of its stake in Paiton and the two entities in the Netherlands and Singapore related to the business.

Edition

July 2, 2021

Govt settles for minimal quarantine despite new restriction measures

Indonesia’s daily COVID-19 cases have continued to soar above 20,000 for several days in a row, with the all-time single-day high of 21,342 cases recorded on June 27. Amid the alarming surge, the government decided to settle yet again for a considerably minimalist policy and steer clear of imposing a highly demanded total lockdown.

Govt-preferred candidate, coalminer Arsjad, becomes new Kadin chairman

The race for the chairmanship of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) ended even before the rightful voters could even cast their votes. On Thursday, Kadin voters who met in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, confirmed the decision the two candidates made days before the national meeting, effectively appointing Arsjad Rasjid, the president director of publicly listed coal mining company PT Indika Energy, the new chairman of Kadin.

Edition

June 25, 2021

Jokowi for 2024? Many hurdles to overcome

Despite the constitutional term limit, rumors of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo running again in 2024 have been lurking under the surface. The issue has become the talk of the town again this month after the launch of a “national committee” openly campaigning for his reelection.

Govt to impose carbon tax for more revenue to meet emissions target

The government is preparing to levy a carbon tax as part of a major overhaul of the country’s taxation system. By imposing the new tax, it hopes to sustain the state budget and meet national carbon emissions reduction targets. However, many worry that the carbon tax will exacerbate the economic crunch if it is implemented during the pandemic.