Slow return of common sense
The most important thing is not the answer, but the question itself. In the world of check-and-balances, it is the fiduciary responsibility of lawmakers to raise questions, while those in the executive branch are expected to provide answers. Unfortunately, less questions have been raised by Indonesian lawmakers in the past few years, transforming the House of Representatives (DPR) into a rubber-stamp parliament.
Presidential envoys and the shadow of crony capitalism in SOEs
The government’s plan to appoint special presidential envoys to supervise state-owned enterprises (SOEs) has been presented as a necessary step to strengthen oversight of companies that manage some of the country’s most strategic assets. President Prabowo Subianto argued that tighter monitoring is essential because many SOEs operate through complex networks of subsidiaries that are difficult to supervise.
Recurring problems in the MBG program
Another day, another problem in the implementation of MBG. Reports of raw, marinated catfish appearing on its Ramadan menu in Pamekasan, East Java, are the most recent example. Although technical guidelines from the BGN are already in place, it seems like partners still rely on their own creativity when deciding what to serve the recipients.
Crony capitalism in BAZNAS
Badan Amil Zakat Nasional (BAZNAS), has long been positioned as a bridge between Islamic philanthropy and national welfare policy. Yet the composition of its newly installed leadership for the 2026–2031 term raises an uncomfortable question: Is the country’s largest charity body drifting toward a political ecosystem where charity, bureaucracy and patronage intersect?
Social media becomes a bargaining tool in ride-hailing economy
In recent weeks, many users have taken to social media to complain that it has suddenly become harder to get an ojek online (ojol) driver. Screenshots showing long waiting times for rides or food deliveries have circulated widely, often accompanied by frustrated comments about the declining reliability of digital transport services.
Danantara & Lippo’s Meikarta
Mochtar Riady, tsar of Lippo Group, was seen standing next to Hashim Djojohadikusumo, younger brother of President Prabowo Subianto, who is also head of the public housing task force (is it a State institution?), in the ‘groundbreaking’ of subsidized homes at Meikarta, the controversial township project developed by Lippo, on Sunday (Mar 8).
Impulsive reactions
Responding to economic implications of Middle East tensions, President Prabowo Subianto instructed his administration to speed up development of 100 GW solar power capacity, basically doubling the country’s total generating capacity (105 GW).
GOTO in red still
GOTO Gojek Tokopedia booked net loss of Rp1.19 trillion last year, dropped significantly from Rp5.15 trillion in 2024. The company, once a decacorn, reported strong sales revenue growth of 15.3% to Rp18.3 trillion, but costs and expenses also increased, whilst slightly, by 3.1% to Rp18.7 trillion.
Who really controls financial watchdog?
Indonesia’s financial sector stands at a critical juncture as the House of Representatives (DPR) conducts fit and proper tests for candidates to lead the Financial Services Authority (OJK). While the process is formally designed to select the most capable technocrats, the composition of the candidate list reveals something deeper: the next leadership of Indonesia’s financial watchdog will likely emerge from a delicate balance of institutional power between the Finance Ministry, the central bank and the regulator itself.
Why Indonesia’s digital ecosystem attracts global gaming brands
When Malaysian esports organization Todak announced its expansion into Indonesia earlier this year, the move appeared straightforward. Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest gaming market and home to one of the world’s most watched esports leagues, Mobile Legends Professional League Indonesia (MPL Indonesia).