Can Indonesia’s cabinet reshuffle restore public trust and calm protesters?

By Resty Woro Yuniar Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet reshuffle is a “tactical” step to restore public trust in the government, according to analysts, but they argue it will not be enough to quell the unrest among protesters if it does not lead to more systemic reform. The shake-up on Monday saw the departure of […]

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Indonesia’s President dismisses finance and security ministers following deadly protests

President Prabowo Subianto reshuffled his Cabinet on Monday, removing several key ministers after nationwide protests over rising living costs and controversial perks for lawmakers turned violent. The public unrest, which resulted in multiple deaths, was sparked by revelations that all 580 members of the Indonesian parliament were receiving a housing allowance of 50 million rupiah […]

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Explainer: What’s fuelling the rage in Indonesia?

Protests have flared in parts of Indonesia since August 25 in some of the country’s worst violence in decades, presenting the biggest challenge so far to Prabowo Subianto’s 10-month-old presidency. WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING? Protests started outside parliament in the capital, Jakarta, initially by groups angered by reports that lawmakers were receiving huge housing allowances on […]

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Indonesia, US and allies launch joint military drills

JAKARTA: Indonesia and the United States launched joint military drills on Monday that will last more than a week, joining allies from 11 countries in exercises aimed at ensuring stability in the Asia-Pacific region. The annual “Super Garuda Shield” drills will take place in the capital Jakarta and several locations on the western island of […]

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Can Indonesia’s new task force in Bali keep unruly tourists in check?

By Resty Woro Yuniar Indonesia has set up a new immigration task force to keep lawbreaking foreigners in Bali in check, but critics warn the presence of uniformed officers on the popular resort island risks putting tourists on edge. Agus Andrianto, minister of immigration and corrections, on August 5 inaugurated the Immigration Patrol Task Force […]

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After 11 years in Indonesian limbo, Afghan refugee finds a home in Australia

By Aisyah Llewellyn It was a day Bibi Rahima Farhangdost feared might never come. After 11 years living in limbo in Indonesia as an Afghan refugee, she was finally on her way to a new life in Australia, boarding a flight to Tasmania at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on July 23. “Finally, it happened. I […]

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Is Indonesia’s Gibran being ‘exiled’ to Papua? New assignment sparks whispers

By Resty Woro Yuniar President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to assign Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka responsibility for Papua has fuelled speculation that he is being politically sidelined under the guise of a development mission to Indonesia’s most restive region. Gibran will have his hands full in trying to bring about lasting peace in Papua, as he […]

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