PBNU & The Mining Concession
The government’s decision to grant mining concessions to mass organizations, including Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), is seen as both an economic growth opportunity and a source of controversy. From an economic perspective, it could provide a new revenue stream to support NU’s social and educational programs. However, major challenges such as transparency, environmental impact, and potential conflicts of interest cannot be overlooked.
Puan, Bambang Pacul, and the Signs of Change in PDI-P
The presence of Puan Maharani at the 6th Congress of the Democratic Party in Jakarta on February 24, 2025, is interesting to discuss in the context of national political dynamics. Accompanied by Bambang Wuryanto, commonly known as Bambang Pacul, Puan appears increasingly active in various political agendas involving key figures. Not only did she attend the Democratic Congress, but she was also present at a regional leaders’ retreat in Magelang and was even seen in discussions with President Prabowo Subianto, SBY, and Jokowi. Could this be a signal of significant change within PDI-P, particularly concerning the position of Secretary-General, currently held by Hasto Kristiyanto, who has been named a suspect and detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)?
Bahlil’s Doctoral Degree Controversy
Recently, it is reported that the Board of Professors of University of Indonesia (DGB UI) has submitted a recommendation to revoke Bahlil Lahadalia’s doctoral degree since the beginning of January 2025 due to several misconducts found in his graduation process. The UI Rectorate is responsible for making the final decision, but as of today (03/03) we only know that there will be a coordination meeting between four organs of UI scheduled for this week to discuss the matter. So, nothing is set in stone, and people wonder why it takes them so long to take action.
MBG Program: Continuous Mass Protests in Central Papua
Another mass protest to refuse the free nutritious meals (MBG) program erupted in Central Papua on Wednesday (26/02). This time, it was students in Deiyai Regency that embarked on a long march, adding to the list of similar mass protests happening in the province within the last two weeks. Their key demands are no different either, for they want the government to prioritize free education over free meals.
Prabowo’s volunteers in free meal program
Free ‘nutritious’ meal (MBG) is by far the single largest project in Prabowo regime. With initial investment of Rp71 trillion, the project might soon get additional Rp100 trillion. The ultimate target is Rp400 trillion or US$24 billion per annum. Pretty much as anticipated, more volunteers from Prabowo’s presidential campaign involved in the project.
Student Mass Protests in Central Papua
Thousands of students in Paniai Regency, Central Papua province took to streets on Monday (24/02) to protest the free nutritious meals (MBG) program carried out by President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. They urged the government to prioritize granting them access to free education instead of free nutritious meals, particularly since there have been too many food poisoning incidents during the two months of its implementation. Other than the MBG program, protesters also demanded that natural resources exploitation be stopped immediately.
The Constitutional Court’s ruling on conflict of interest
We still have a hope. The Constitutional Court has on Monday (Feb 24) issued an interesting ruling. The Court ordered re-voting for Serang Regency in Banten province because it found convincing evidence about intervention from Yandri Susanto, minister of village affairs in Prabowo’s administration, for the benefit of his wife in the regional head election.
Sukatani Band & The growing distrust
An investigation has been under way for several days into the alleged police intimidation used by Directorate of Cyber Research (Ditressiber) personnel against Sukatani band, which earlier took down its viral song “Bayar Bayar Bayar”. According to the Profession and Security Division of the National Police (Divpropam POLRI), six personnel are still being closely examined as of Sunday (23/02), and therefore no conclusion has been drawn regarding the allegation. On the other hand, a member of Sukatani band was reportedly dismissed from her workplace amidst all this. Is it mere coincidence?
#IndonesiaGelap: Democracy at Stake
The battle is not over yet. After four days of mass protests in many regions all across the country, which at this point have received global attention, students plan to continue with the “Indonesia Gelap” (Dark Indonesia) rally today on February 21. This time, everyone—not exclusive to students or any groups in particular—is welcome to join in their fight against injustice.
Hasto’s arrest & Megawati’s Responses
tempo.co reported this morning that PDIP matriarch Megawati Soekarnoputri has ordered regional leaders from the party to halt their participation in the retreat arranged by central government in Magelang, Central Java.