The Future of Indonesian Military
The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) plans to recruit 24,000 privates as part of the formation of a special battalion dedicated for non-war military operations, including food security and health services. It sparked a debate among the public because increased military involvement in civil affairs may not lead to the dual function many people fear, but rather loss of function altogether, which does not look good either way.
Erick Thohir’s future
Tempo magazine published a cover story about Erick Thohir, minister of state-owned enterprises, in this week’s edition. The magazine basically concluded that Erick is now toothless after most of his powers have been taken over by the newly established sovereign wealth fund Danantara. While he tried to preserve some of the powers through amendment of the SOEs law, in reality he has limited say on state companies.
Prabowo and His Narratives
Prabowo Subianto has once again come out with his tired narratives about some foreign interests trying to pit Indonesians against each other by funding local NGOs. Usman Hamid, director of Amnesty International Indonesia, remarked that the president’s way of thinking is a reflection of an authoritarian who tends to reject criticism. Indonesia’s biggest enemy is not foreign interests, Usman added, but rather its own corrupt leaders that run the country.
Al Muzzammil Yusuf
Al Muzzammil Yusuf has been elected new president of Islamic party PKS for 2025-2030 to replace Ahmad Syaikhu, who was defeated in West Java gubernatorial race by Dedi Mulyadi, cadre from President Prabowo’s Gerindra Party.
More on Free Education
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has recently held an initial meeting with the Ministry of Finance to discuss the implementation of the revised free education policy. Minister Abdul Mu’ti stated that they will comply with the Constitutional Court’s ruling, and therefore emphasized the need for a mid-year budget review of the APBN. PDIP politician F. X. Hadi Rudyatmo, meanwhile, suggested the government divert the budget from the free meals program to the free school program.
Impeachment of Gibran: Too little too late
So, a forum of retired high-ranking military officers has on May 26 formally sent a letter to the House of Representatives (DPR) and the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) demanding impeachment of Gibran Rakabuming Raka as vice president of the republic of Indonesia.
Why Government Must Invest in Buzzer and Bot Detection Tools
In Indonesia’s digital democracy, truth is no longer determined solely by genuine public discourse, but increasingly by those who control the loudest—and most coordinated—voices online. Buzzer networks and automated bots are reshaping narratives, influencing public opinion, and even guiding policy decisions. Without the ability to distinguish between authentic sentiment and orchestrated manipulation, democratic processes are at risk.
PPP’s 2025 Congress
The United Development Party (PPP) stands at a crossroads. After failing to meet the parliamentary threshold in the 2024 general election, the party will convene its 10th National Congress (Muktamar X) in Bali this September. A central agenda: electing a new party chairperson. The party has in the past few years led by acting chairman Muhamad Mardiono.
The False Hope of Free Education for Everyone
The Constitutional Court has partially granted a judicial review of Law No. 20 of 2003 concerning the National Education System on Tuesday (27/05). Through this ruling, the Indonesian government is now obligated to provide free basic education for all students enrolled in public and private schools. The Commission X of DPR therefore pushes for a revision of the policy regarding school operational assistance (BOS) funds to support the new regulation.
Budi Arie, PDIP, and Prabowo’s Dilemma
The ongoing case involving Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs Budi Arie Setiadi and his alleged involvement in the protection of online gambling operations has entered a new phase. Several cadres of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) have officially reported Budi Arie to the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim) for defamation, following his indirect accusation that PDIP was complicit in the spread of online gambling.