How will the pandemic impact political parties’ plans for a stronger central government, Jokowi’s approval numbers and the reputation of local leaders?
Read MoreKITAS holders and Indonesian citizens landing at Jakarta's airport may find a confusing health screening process. Here's how I got through it.
Read MoreThe Widodo administration has pledged to ramp up PCR testing for Covid-19, but an imported key ingredient remains in short supply, slowing the testing process.
Read MoreThe WHO recently expanded the case definition for Covid-19 deaths to build a clearer picture of how many lives the virus has taken to help with mitigation efforts.
Read MoreIndonesia’s Covid-19 cases appear to be low compared to its population of 270 million, but how accurate are the numbers and how is testing being conducted?
Read MoreCigarettes are the second largest contributor to Indonesia's poverty line, according to new data from the state Central Bureau of Statistics or BPS. Food (rice) remains the largest contributor.
Read MoreIndonesia’s universal healthcare system cares for millions but is now beginning to flounder while at the same time, a non-profit organization called DoctorSHARE is risking their lives to serve patients in remote parts of the country.
Read MoreFrom political compromises, a possible return of New Order style elections, Widodo family dynasties and Prabowo’s real role in the cabinet, we break them all down in this episode with Dr. Djayadi Hanan
Read MoreThe Indonesian parliament has delayed passing the controversial new amendments to the criminal code, which dates back to the Dutch Colonial Era. Widodo back tracked his support at the last minute after public protests against the bill which is viewed as over criminalizing and draconian. One article in the bill that garnered attention is on the reintroduction of the defamation clause against the President and Vice President. We dive deep into that defamation article to explore why the government thinks its needed and how it could be misused. Join us as we attempt to navigate through this vague rule with Prof. Harkristuti Harkrisnowo, one of the main drafters of the Criminal Code bill.
Read MoreJuggling multiple political interests looks much like a zero-sum game for President Widodo as he considers backtracking on a controversial law that he supported which weakened the country's anti-graft agency.
Read MoreIndonesia's controversial new Criminal Code is not dead and is set to be deliberated again by the House in the near future.
Read MoreA draft bill would cripple the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) as well as remove its all-important independent status.
Read MoreWe start with this question: Are there alternatives for borrowers to take loans safely without resorting to predatory loan sharks? But our quest to seek answers reveal how complicated Indonesians’ relationship with loans are. The obstacles with financial inclusivity in the conventional system and the growing online loan services clearly complicate the deeply-rooted loan culture among Indonesians. Join us in this episode with Dr. Chaikal Nuryakin from the Institute for Economic and Social Research at the University of Indonesia (LPEM UI) and Gede Putra Arsana from World Bank, Indonesia.
Read MoreAlthough ASEAN has been under fire for its powerlessness in the face of several human rights atrocities such as attacks on Rohingya ethnic minority in Myanmar, internal ASEAN officials, some of whom have lengthy human rights activism experience, remain optimistic that the association can be a force for good. Join us for a discussion with the Indonesian Representative of the ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission of Human Rights (AICHR), Yuyun Wahyuningrum.
Read MoreThe Indonesian Election Committee (KPU) will conduct the first official presidential debate on the January 17 and discuss pressing subjects such as legal affairs, human rights, corruption, and terrorism. How impactful will this debate be compared to the one in the 2014 election? Can this resolve the current flow of unsubstantial or sensational news relating to the candidates and the election?
Read MoreAfter 20 years as a senior executive with multinational corporations across Southeast Asia, Miss Shanti Shamdasani is running for seat in parliament. She hopes to bring her values and lessons learned to the Lower House. She talks to us about the difficulties of staying “clean” and not “paying to play” on the campaign trail, her thoughts on how to improve the e-commerce sector and her stance on the latest Indonesia-Australia Free Trade Deal.
Read MoreWe sit down Dr. Mohammad Mova Al’Afghani to discuss the 2018 Water Bill being deliberated by the House. This is a crucial bill and as the current draft stands, it would have a wide impact on the businesses as well as on local communities. This bill involves a lot more than just water and we break down all the key aspects that you need to know.
Read MoreWe respond to feedback from listeners and answer some of their questions about bills in parliament such as the Data Privacy Protection Bill, Water Bill and Food and Drug Bill. I also talk about what happens if one of the candidates withdraws from the 2019 presidential election.
Read MoreWe provide insights into the most recent House session along with key bills being deliberated such as the Alcohol Bill, Anti Terrorism Bill and the Water Bill.
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