Indonesia’s military says that it has arrested 13 soldiers after the emergence of a video showing the torture of a man believed to be a member of a Papuan separatist group. The video, which has been doing the rounds on social media since last month, shows men kicking, beating, and dunking a man in a … Read more
In the wake of the recent presidential election in Indonesia, a pivotal question looms large: Will the next leader usher in a new age of military influence in civilian life? The contest, held on February 14, saw three candidates vying for the nation’s highest office: former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, and … Read more
With Indonesia’s 2024 presidential election on the horizon, the three pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates have become increasingly active in promoting their visions for Indonesia’s development, including in the defense sector. In general, all candidates share the same view that the government should significantly modernize the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), strengthen border … Read more
Advertisement Imagine this scenario: an Indonesian company is drilling for oil within its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, when the platform is suddenly swarmed by Chinese navy and coast guard vessels. Not far away, there is a U.S. Navy ship, perhaps on a routine patrol through contested waters. What does the Indonesian … Read more
Advertisement When Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo appointed his two-time presidential rival Prabowo Subianto as Minister of Defense in 2019, there were many skeptics. Prabowo ran a divisive campaign, and analysts wondered whether he would faithfully execute Jokowi’s agenda. But as he prepares for a third presidential run, Prabowo can campaign on a record of … Read more