Corruption in the BPJS Ketenagakerjaan
The Central Jakarta District Court held the first hearing on Thursday (09/07) in the alleged corruption case involving fictitious claims under BPJS Ketenagakerjaan’s Work Accident Insurance (JKK) program. The case is estimated to have caused state losses of Rp 24.5 billion. More concerning, however, are allegations that the fraudulent scheme went undetected for a decade before it was finally uncovered.
Beyond the Claude code dispute
China’s warning against Anthropic’s Claude Code should not be dismissed as another chapter in the technology rivalry between Beijing and Washington. The controversy offers a timely reminder that artificial intelligence is no longer merely a software product. It has become strategic infrastructure whose security, governance and transparency carry national implications.
Demographic dividend
Demographic dividend is increasingly becoming the government’s favorite narrative. Young people are repeatedly described as the nation’s greatest asset, expected to fuel economic growth before the country enters an aging society. Yet the latest remarks by Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin reveal a troubling assumption behind that narrative: that the biggest threat to the future may lie in young people chasing viral content on TikTok rather than pursuing more “productive” activities.
Rachmad Gobel passes away
Rachmad Gobel, co-owner of Gobel International, long-time business partner of Panasonic Group in Indonesia, has passed away this morning. Rachmad, a former minister of trade and politician from NasDem Party, leaves behind a group with diversified business interests.
The ripple effects of MBG’s temporary suspension
Previously, one could only speculate about the consequences of a complete suspension of the MBG program. However, its temporary suspension during the school holidays has now provided a glimpse into how the market, MBG partners, and the government might respond if the...
Indosat–Hashim Deal and Governance Test
Last week, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison completed the divestment of an 84.9 percent stake in its fiber infrastructure subsidiary, PT Infra Fiber Teknologi (IFT), to PT Nusantara Fiber Teknologi (NFT) for Rp11.71 trillion. The transaction forms part of a broader plan to establish an independent FiberCo to accelerate digital infrastructure, while allowing Indosat to monetize its fiber assets and reinvest in its core telecommunications business. Indosat also retains an effective economic interest of nearly 50 percent in the new structure.
Coal DMO, RKAB, and the blackouts (2)
We have to blame the government for poor planning and execution of policies in the coal sector behind shortfall of supply to power plants. Substantial production cut (RKAB) without adjustment of domestic market obligation (DMO) policy was the main issue.
Coal DMO, RKAB, and the blackouts (1)
Two companies—one trader and one coal miner—-have been indirectly blamed for short of coal supply to state electricity utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) behind the blackouts in various areas even if their combined volume is not even one percent of national consumption. How come?
Hidden Safes, Armed Guards and Public Trust
Yesterday, the National Police’s Corruption Eradication Corps (Kortastipidkor), together with the Jakarta Police (Polda Metro Jaya), launched one of the most significant coordinated investigations in recent years. The operation spans alleged corruption, bribery and money laundering involving coal procurement for state power plants, the handling of PT Asabri, and debt settlement involving companies linked to Krakatau Steel. Investigators searched at least a dozen locations, including Cafe de’Clan Signature and a nearby money changer in South Jakarta.
Building a Spaceport Is Easier Than Building a Space Industry
Indonesia’s plan to build a spaceport in Biak, Papua, has regained momentum, this time with India emerging as a key strategic partner. At first glance, the collaboration appears promising. India is one of the world’s most successful emerging space powers, while Biak’s location near the equator offers one of the most efficient launch sites in the world. Together, they could create a new gateway for satellite launches in the Indo-Pacific.