A new wave of threats against press freedom has resurfaced after Tempo faced serious pressure following the publication of its investigative report. Not only has it been subjected to cyberattacks, Tempo is also facing more systematic threats in the form of legal complaints and political pressure. Recently, Tempo’s office was terrorized by the delivery of a pig’s head and rats—an act of intimidation reminiscent of the darkest periods of press suppression. This situation was further exacerbated by the blunder of Hasan Nasbi, Head of Presidential Communication Office (PCO) of the Republic of Indonesia, whose statement was seen as worsening the situation and reinforcing the perception that there is a deliberate effort to silence the press.

A number of protesters have been camping in front of Pancasila gate, located behind the Parliament building, to block the access of the House of Representatives members who will hold a plenary meeting today (20/03). This action aims to express concerns regarding the revision of the TNI Bill, which may potentially revive the dual-function of the Indonesian military as implemented during Soeharto’s New Order regime. Ironically, dozens of armed forces are promptly deployed to guard the Parliament building from the unarmed protesters.

The behavior of public officials is always under scrutiny. As representatives of the state, they are expected to uphold ethics, professionalism, and integrity in every action and statement they make, including on social media. To what extent is it appropriate for public officials to communicate in the digital space?

University of Indonesia (UI) has finally announced its verdict on Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia’s controversial dissertation through a press release dated March 12, 2025. Despite the recommendation from the Board of Professors (DGB) to revoke the minister’s doctoral degree, UI ultimately decided against it and only ordered a dissertation revision instead. Meanwhile, the promoter and co-promoters are temporarily prohibited from teaching, mentoring, and holding structural positions in UI. Is this a fair decision, though?

The promotion of Cabinet Secretary (Seskab) Teddy Indra Wijaya from Major to Lieutenant Colonel has sparked both support and controversy. Some see it as a recognition of his performance and influence (considered the most powerful cabinet member), while others question the transparency and adherence to meritocratic principles. However, beyond this debate, there are political undercurrents that cannot be ignored.

Mufti Anam, a member of Commission VI of DPR from the PDIP faction, criticized Pertamina’s board of directors for recruiting the children of celebrity Deddy Corbuzier (now a special staffer of defense ministe) in an attempt to promote Pertamina and its services. This criticism was conveyed during a hearing meeting between Commission VI of DPR and Pertamina, held on Tuesday (11/03) to discuss the work plan and evaluation of the corporation.

The Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, has once again captured public attention with a series of controversial policies deemed groundbreaking by some, but seen as PR show by others, in the governance of his province. Among them are the demolition of tourist sites in the Puncak Bogor area, a ban on school field trips outside West Java, and various policies aimed at restructuring the province’s tourism and transportation sectors. Although these policies are justified on the grounds of environmental protection, safety, and the local economy, their impact on various sectors cannot be overlooked.

The Indonesian government is targeting to launch a total of 100 community schools, or locally known as “Sekolah Rakyat”, all across the country by the end of 2025. This program will be managed by the Ministry of Social Affairs as per President Prabowo Subianto’s instruction, aiming to provide free education for children from poor families. Recently on March 10, Social Affairs Minister Saifullah “Gus Ipul” Yusuf confirmed that 50 schools are ready for operation.