The general has repeatedly said Indonesia’s democratic system is not working and the country should return to its original 1945 constitution, which could unravel many democratic reforms.
Joko Widodo is prevented from running again for president. But a court ruling has thrown next year’s elections in doubt and rumours abound of efforts to keep him in power longer.
Tensions have been building over the last month following the killing of an Indonesian intelligence chief. The government has vowed to ‘chase and arrest’ all armed militants in the region.
Chloe King, The University of Edinburgh and Wa Iba, Universitas Halu Oleo
Tourism development should support local communities to increase their skills and knowledge to better equip them to be resilient to crises and economic shocks.
The institutional design of BRIN allows for political intervention, showing how the Indonesian government is unwilling to prioritise research and technology.
Jokowi’s administration has been unable to deal with the pandemic effectively because it lacks political will and fears it could wreck the economy and, with it, his legacy.
Indonesia is paying the price for failing to control the spread of the coronavirus. The country needs to change course and give priority to public health as the first step in repairing the economy.
Jonatan A Lassa, Charles Darwin University; Ermi Ndoen, Institute of Resource Governance and Social Change (IRGSC) Kupang; Rudi Rohi, Institute of Resource Governance and Social Change (IRGSC) Kupang, and Victoria Fanggidae, The University of Melbourne
A pandemic can amplify friction and tension between jurisdictions – especially when there are political differences and existing conflict.
Tim Lindsey, The University of Melbourne and Tim Mann, The University of Melbourne
With low testing levels, it’s unclear just how bad the pandemic is in Indonesia. But President Joko Widodo is keen to get the economy restarted quickly, in part, to avoid widespread social unrest.
Populist leaders can be a liability. Their optimistic bias and complacency, ambiguity, and ignorance of science undermine crisis management and put all at risk.
Tim Lindsey, The University of Melbourne and Tim Mann, The University of Melbourne
The government waited to put in place restrictions to stop the spread of the virus. Now, millions may soon be on the move for a religious celebration, which could make matters even worse.
Director for Presidential Studies at Department at Digital Media and Communication Research Center, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada