Category: Politics

Bakrie might still be the largest group (outside Astra, SOEs, and banks) on Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) by total assets (US$19.6 billion as of December 31, 2012 at Rp9200/USD). Salim Group’s total assets (five companies) were only half of Bakrie in the same period.

Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam launched serious allegations to some ministries, including replacing high-ranking officers opposing the minister’s ‘policy’ in budget mark-up and fixing mechanism. Gita Wirjawan, minister of trade, has expressed his readiness to cooperate with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for the issue.

Like Bakrie Group, Bhakti Group is now an important political player by virtue of Harry Tanoesoedibjo’s position at Nasional Demokrat (Nasdem) Party. How about Lippo Group, a long-time political player, Adaro Group, Djarum...

Looks like that energy and mineral resources minister Jero Wacik can’t enjoy for too long his ‘near absolute’ power over Indonesian oil and gas industry. Other political parties do not want to see the Demokrat politician to keep authorities taken over from BPMigas until 2014 elections.

Competition over resources has heightened conflicts over land in the country. Churchill Mining vs Nusantara Energy Group, Adaro vs Bukit Asam, Aneka Tambang vs local administrations in Sulawesi and Maluku, are only few of them. We have also seen growing disputes between sectors: plantation vs mining, mining vs oil & gas exploration etc.

The House of Representatives (DPR) and government have finally approved the establishment of seven new regencies in seven provinces. Few weeks back, they also approved the established of new province, North Kalimantan. That means we will have eight more elections per annum and at least 400 new legislators.

“I swear by Almighty God that I will tell lies, the whole lies, and nothing but lies, so Help Me Gayus!” This is the summary of readers’ comments on President SBY’s statement in rebuffing ‘testimony’ from former chief of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) regarding the bailout of Bank Century (now Mutiara). Most readers doubt the truth of SBY’s statements.