Magdalena’s case: Public Order of Censorship?
Recently, the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) blocked one of Magdalene’s Instagram posts featuring an investigative report on the acid attack against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus. Komdigi argued that Magdalene is not a verified press institution and that its content was provocative. This makes one wonder: is the move truly intended to maintain public order, or is it an attempt to silence dissent?
MBG & The procurement of electric motorcycles
The lack of transparency in the government’s flagship program has once again fueled public suspicion. Out of nowhere, no less than 20,000 electric motorcycles appeared ready for distribution to support the operations of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, without any prior notice from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). While the procurement itself may be entirely legal, the way it was carried out so quietly makes it difficult not to view it as unusual.
Security at what cost?
At a time when the government urges efficiency, trims budgets and warns of fiscal pressure, a new defense procurement has quietly entered the spotlight: the planned purchase of 12 aircraft from Pilatus Aircraft. The timing could not be more politically charged.
MBG legal challenges
Prabowo Subianto’s flagship free nutritious meals program (MBG) is facing legal challenges from multiple quarters, including educators and civil society groups. At the heart of their concern is the program’s financing, which they argue comes at the expense of other essential sectors, particularly education. The Constitutional Court (MK) has begun its preliminary review, and whatever ruling it delivers will carry significant implications.
Immigration under political control?
The appointment of Hendarsam Marantoko as Indonesia’s new Director General of Immigration marks more than a routine bureaucratic reshuffle. It signals a deeper shift in how strategic state institutions are staffed—and raises a fundamental question: Is immigration policy becoming an extension of political control?
The man beside the President
Prabowo Subianto attended a luncheon with Emperor Naruhito and Crown Prince Fumihito during his recent diplomatic visit to Japan. Photos released by the Ministry of State Secretariat on social media show that the president was accompanied not only by his son but also by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. This may seem trivial at first, but it has prompted questions among the public: was Teddy’s presence customary? And what exactly was his significance at the meeting?
Prabowo’s Seoul Visit
Following a three-day state visit to Japan, President Prabowo Subianto and his entourage departed for South Korea on Tuesday (31/03). The visit, scheduled to run until April 2, is part of his East Asian diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, including defense and security.
Judicial independence—or judicial immunity?
Indonesia is once again attempting to reform its judiciary. The proposed RUU Jabatan Hakim (Judges Bill) promises to elevate judges into fully independent state officials, free from bureaucratic constraints. On paper, it is a long-overdue correction. In practice, it may create a more complicated question: are we strengthening judicial independence—or institutionalizing judicial immunity?
Civilian victim, military court
The decision by the TNI to formally request access from Lembaga Perlindungan Saksi dan Korban (LPSK) to question Andrie Yunus is not merely procedural. It signals a deeper and far more consequential legal question: will this case be tried in a military court, even though the victim is a civilian?
KDMP so far
The Red-White Village Cooperative (KDMP) was initially designed to strengthen the rural economy. However, when cooperatives are created through government mandates rather than local community initiative, fundamental problems emerge from the very beginning. In many areas, land is unavailable, and those appointed to manage the cooperatives are not even local residents.