Category: Politics

Lists of Indonesian celebrities and influencers who voted for Prabowo-Gibran pairing in the 2024 Presidential Election have been widely shared across social media platforms since the passage of the military bill (RUU TNI) last Thursday. Some of them remain silent to this day, while a few others have quickly denied the accusation. Who are they and what do their denials possibly imply?

Within a week, Indonesia has been experiencing a wave of mass protests following the House of Representatives’ decision to pass the controversial military bill (RUU TNI). Starting from Thursday (20/03) until Tuesday (25/03), thousands of people in several cities all across the country flocked to local parliament buildings to call for annulment of the military bill. This series of mass protests has one thing in common, that it ended in chaos and involved acts of violence by armed forces stationed at the location.

Recently, the public has once again been shocked by a series of legal violations involving members of the TNI and Polri. These range from the abuse of civilians, extortion practices, involvement in criminal networks, to the abuse of power beyond their main duties and functions. Ironically, these violations are occurring amid the government’s strong push to expand the authority of both institutions. Does broader authority actually increase the potential for misconduct?

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.