Chief Justice Cracks Down on Judicial Corruption

Indonesia: Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (MA), Sunarto, has stated his commitment to maintaining the integrity of Indonesia's judicial institutions and has issued a warning that he will terminate any court officials who solicit bribes for their services, regardless of the sum involved. The President holds the judiciary in high regard, and it is [...]

Job Shortage Worsens In Indonesia Amid Youth Unemployment Surge

Indonesia is experiencing a serious unemployment crisis, which a recent Bekasi job fair demonstrated. At the job fair, there were 2,000 available jobs, but more than 25,000 job hunters showed up, a dramatic illustration of the acute mismatch between employment supply and demand. The imbalance is exemplary of other economic issues, such as an increase [...]

Indonesia: Minister Reaffirms Pledge to Advance Dance Arts Nationwide

Indonesia: Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that his ministry has created a cultural talent management program that is closely aligned with initiatives to improve the dance arts environment in Indonesia. By providing mentoring, training, and encouraging public participation, this program aims to foster artistic ecosystems, particularly in dance. The government also recognizes the importance [...]

Indonesia Urges Vigilance Amid Mild COVID-19 Rise

President Prabowo Subianto met with Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin to discuss the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Indonesia. Budi confirmed the uptick but emphasized that current case numbers remain low and manageable. The Health Ministry has issued an advisory urging the public to maintain hygiene, wear masks in crowded spaces, and seek medical [...]

Indonesia’s Ongoing Drug Trafficking Crisis

Drug smuggling continues to be a major problem in Indonesia, where the nation is both a destination and transit zone for illegal narcotics. During the first two months of 2025 alone, authorities confiscated 4.1 tons of different drugs, mainly methamphetamine and ecstasy, from international syndicates. The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) classified 14 foreign drug syndicates [...]

Indonesia’s Military Law Sparks Democratic Concerns

On March 20, 2025, Indonesia’s parliament approved changes to the 2004 armed forces law, allowing more active-duty military members to hold civilian roles. Human rights groups fear this will bring back the military’s past political influence under Soeharto and weaken democratic controls. The amendments let military personnel work in civilian agencies like the Attorney General’s [...]

Indonesia’s Death Sentences Rise Amid Global Shift To Abolition

Indonesia's death sentences continue to rise, contributing significantly to global execution figures. In 2024, 1,518 executions were recorded globally, a 32% increase from 2023. Despite this rise, only 15 countries carried out executions, the lowest number in recent years. Indonesia, which has not executed anyone since 2016, sentenced 85 people to death in 2024, primarily [...]

Indonesia’s Rupiah Hits Record Lows Amid Economic And Political Uncertainty

Indonesia's rupiah has hit record lows against the US dollar, echoing the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis. The currency's decline, which began before President Prabowo Subianto's October inauguration, has worsened by about 8% due to political and economic uncertainties in the country. Prabowo's controversial policies, such as weakening central bank independence and restricting foreign companies, have [...]

Indonesian Government Launches Investigation into Rice Labeling Fraud

The Indonesian government will take swift action to investigate and address reports concerning companies that are producing or distributing rice inconsistent with the quantities and qualities mentioned on their labels. This announcement was made by Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri. Putri emphasized that the Ministry of Trade is dedicated to monitoring [...]

Indonesia’s Military Law Amendments Spark Protests

On March 20, 2025, Indonesia’s parliament passed controversial amendments to the 2004 Armed Forces Law, allowing military officers to hold civilian government posts without resigning. This expansion of the military's role in government, including extending senior officers' retirement ages, has sparked widespread protests, with critics warning it could lead to military abuses and a return [...]

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