Miiltary training for KDMP and KNMP managers

Jun 24, 2026 | Market, Politics

The Red-White Village Cooperative (KDMP) and the Red-White Fishermen’s Village (KNMP) are being promoted as instruments to strengthen economic independence in rural communities. Curiously, their managers are also required to undergo basic military training in addition...

A tragic cost of policy militarization

Jun 24, 2026 | Market, Politics

The deaths of two candidates for the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (Kopdes) management program during military-style training should force Indonesia to ask an uncomfortable question: why are future cooperative managers being trained like soldiers in the first place?...

The politics of a phone call

Jun 24, 2026 | Market, Politics

In politics, symbolism often matters as much as substance. That is why Deputy Speaker of the House Sufmi Dasco Ahmad’s decision to publicly call Pertamina’s leadership during a national labor gathering deserves closer attention. On the surface, the episode appeared...

More New Schools

Jun 23, 2026 | Market, Politics

People’s Schools, Garuda Schools, and now a new model is in the works: Integrated National Schools. Through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the government is reportedly set to build 100 Integrated National Schools starting this year, backed by a...

The battle behind NU’s ministerial debate

Jun 23, 2026 | Politics

Nahdlatul Ulama’s (NU) recent National Conference (Munas-Konbes) was expected to discuss a range of organizational and policy issues, from governance reforms to the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. Yet one debate overshadowed everything else: whether...

West Java’s education problem

Jun 23, 2026 | Politics

The controversy surrounding West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi’s free-school program has quickly evolved into a debate about subsidies, private schools, and access to education. But beneath the headlines lies a more fundamental question: Why does Indonesia still lack a...

MBG’s Dilemma

Jun 22, 2026 | Market, Politics

After more than a year, the Free Nutritious Meal program (MBG) has now become a battleground. Students are protesting against it, SPPG partners are demanding its continuation, and BGN officials have begun pointing fingers amid an alleged corruption case. Each side has...

House Renovations for People’s School Students

Jun 19, 2026 | Market, Politics

When people hear about People’s Schools, housing renovations are probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Public discussions have largely centered on classrooms, dormitories, teachers, and the program’s potential impact on educational access. Yet the...

The politics of blame

Jun 19, 2026 | Politics

In recent weeks, allegations have surfaced linking PDIP to anti-government protests, including demonstrations involving former University of Gadjah Mada student leader Tiyo Ardianto. The accusations intensified after members of BEM Bersatu claimed to have found...

Raising the Hajj deposit

Jun 18, 2026 | Market, Politics

The proposal to increase initial Hajj deposit from Rp25 million to Rp35 million has reignited a familiar debate: how to sustain the country’s Hajj financing system without closing the door on millions of aspiring pilgrims. While the idea may make sense from a...