Muhammad Ali

The Nickel Nexus: Chinese Conglomerates and the Local Tycoons in Indonesia

Economy and Business / Leave a Comment

The ambitious $35 billion (approx. Rp500 trillion) investment by Chinese battery titan CATL in Indonesia’s nickel downstreaming sector has transitioned from blueprint to breakthrough. As of 2026, the project—driven by Robin Zeng’s global dominance and Indonesia’s strategic positioning—stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s “Green Energy” roadmap.​ The Strategic Foothold: From Karawang to Halmahera​ Under […]

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Between Development and Democracy: Comparing Prabowo and Lee Kuan Yew’s Development Model

Politics / Leave a Comment

President Prabowo appears to be inspired by Lee Kuan Yew’s model of economic pragmatism. This is evident in the policies adopted through bureaucratic efficiency, strict oversight of corruption, and state-led economic development. Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew’s administration is often cited as an example of the East Asian model of economic development. Massive economic development

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Declining Marriage Rates and Surging Divorces as a New Phenomenon in Indonesia

Society / Leave a Comment

A headline from Kompas.id caught my eye. The report unveiled a startling reality: marriage rates in Indonesia have plummeted by nearly 30% over the last few years, while divorce rates have simultaneously climbed by 9%. ​While marriage is often viewed through a private lens—as an individual choice or a romantic milestone—it is, in fact, a

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When Influencers Become Indonesia’s New Intellectuals Amidst the Decay of Academia

Politics / Leave a Comment

Indonesian influencers have stepped in to seize the intellectual mantle once held by the ivory tower. ​Gramsci famously posited that while everyone is an intellectual, not everyone fulfills the function of an intellectual in society. His perspective serves as a poignant reminder: being an intellectual is less about academic credentials and more about the responsibility

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