The impulse for building a political dynasty can be strong, especially in authoritarian states and even more so in dictatorships. In a dictatorship where power is concentrated in one individual or clan, such as the Kim family in North Korea, a leader invariably puts a premium on loyalty and hence places trusted family members in … Read more
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (second from left) has lunch with presidential candidates (from left) Ganjar Pranowo, Prabowo Subianto, and Anies Baswedan at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, October 30, 2023. Credit: Facebook/Presiden Joko Widodo Advertisement Two of Indonesia’s three presidential candidates have called on President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to remain neutral in the run-up … Read more
ASEAN Beat | Politics | Southeast Asia Complainants allege that last week’s ruling, which paved the way for President Joko Widodo’s 36-year-old son to run in next year’s election, was politically motivated. Advertisement Indonesia’s Constitutional Court has set up a panel to investigate accusations of bias and nepotism against itself, after a court ruling that allowed President Joko “Jokowi” … Read more
Advertisement Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto maintains a narrow lead over his two rivals as campaigning for the country’s February election begins to heat up, according to two new public opinion polls. A survey conducted by the local pollster Indikator Politik released on Friday showed Prabowo, a former general who serves as defense minister, commanding … Read more
Advertisement Yesterday’s announcement that Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, will serve as the vice-presidential running-mate of Prabowo Subianto, chairman of the Greater Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), has stirred the political cauldron in Indonesia. This significant move raises questions about democracy, dynastic politics, and youth representation in the archipelago’s political … Read more
Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Chinese leader Xi Jinping pose for a photo ahead of their meeting in Beijing, China, October 17, 2023. Credit: Facebook/Presiden Joko Widodo Advertisement China is willing to expand and strengthen economic cooperation with Indonesia, including in digital technology and renewable energy, President Xi Jinping said yesterday after meeting with President … Read more
Advertisement Indonesia’s Constitutional Court yesterday upheld the minimum age requirement for presidential and vice presidential candidates, while carving out an exception for those who have held or been elected as regional leaders. The decision paves the way for the son of outgoing President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to run for vice president at next year’s election … Read more
Former Indonesian Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo, center, is escorted by security officers upon arrival at the Corruption Eradication Commission headquarters following his arrest in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Antasena Kroen Advertisement Indonesia’s former agriculture minister was arrested yesterday by the country’s Corruption Eradication Commission on allegations of bribery, abuse of … Read more
Palestinians inspect the damage of destroyed building after Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Hatem Ali Advertisement Indonesian President Joko Widodo said yesterday that the Israel-Gaza conflict should be resolved according to United Nations-agreed parameters regarding “Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands.” In his first public comments since Hamas … Read more
Advertisement A son of Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has been named as the head of a progressive political party, a step toward the creation of the political dynasty that many observers of Indonesian politics believe the leader is hoping to put in place before leaving office next year. In a ceremony yesterday, Kaesang Pangarep, … Read more