The Golkar Party stands as one of the most effective instruments for oligarchy in Indonesia to secure their interests. The 1998 Reformation brought great hope for a more democratic Indonesia. However, 27 years later, we are witnessing a concerning phenomenon: our democracy is increasingly dominated by a handful of oligarchs—ultra-wealthy individuals who use their riches […]
Golkar and The Oligarchy In Indonesia Read More »
This boycott stands as one of the most massive global acts of mass political resistance in the 21st century in support of Palestine. At one point, the people of Banda Aceh measured progress by the presence of KFC in their city. It was a benchmark of sorts; after all, in almost every major city across
The Global Echo of Palestine: How Boycotts are Redefining Consumption in Indonesia Read More »
The period from 2026 leading up to the next two presidential elections in 2029 and 2034 represents a crucial juncture for Indonesia’s political future. A number of veteran Indonesian political elites who have occupied the inner circle of power—many since the 1998 Reformasi—are entering their twilight years. How will the power transition unfold in their
Political Lineage, Elite Reproduction, and the Power Transition in Indonesia Read More »
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
The Nickel Nexus: Chinese Conglomerates and the Local Tycoons in Indonesia Read More »
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
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
Declining Marriage Rates and Surging Divorces as a New Phenomenon in Indonesia Read More »
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
When Influencers Become Indonesia’s New Intellectuals Amidst the Decay of Academia Read More »
