TheJakartaPost

The 'missing middle': Jakarta’s challenge ahead of its quincentenary

As Jakarta approaches its 500th anniversary, glowing infrastructure and plummeting poverty rates mask a fragile socioeconomic reality. The city's future will not be defined by its skyscrapers but by whether it can rescue its massive yet vulnerable aspiring middle class from permanent economic insecurity.

2 hours ago

The Latest

Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel (center) stand guard behind police personnel to block the path of students protesting demanding a reduction in fuel prices and the dissolution of President Prabowo Subianto's free nutritious meal program, which they consider to be a hotbed of corruption, on June 12 in Jakarta.

Opinion premium

Analysis: Students target Prabowo, military responds swiftly

Students from Indonesia’s leading universities have once again taken to the streets in Jakarta and other major cities, about eight months after the last wave of mass protests turned violent. This time, they are specifically targeting President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership and governing style, which they blame for the country’s current economic difficulties.

2 hours ago

This handout photograph taken and released by Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office on June 18, 2026 shows Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif holding the memorandum of understanding after signing it as a peace mediator to end the Middle East war, in Islamabad. The United States and Iran have signed a deal to end the Middle East war, with a ceremony set for June 19 in Switzerland that will mark the start of a 60-day negotiation period. The MoU aims to put an end to months of conflict initiated by US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, which wreaked chaos across the region and rattled the global economy.

Editorial premium

A welcome peace deal

A fragile US-Iran peace deal brings global relief, but it leaves Indonesia with a stark wake-up call after a distant conflict reached into its kitchens and effectively turned off the lights in Jakarta.

3 hours ago

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, on June 18, 2026.

Gulf exporters' quest to bypass Hormuz will reshape the region

The Iran war exposed the dangers of relying on a single chokepoint for vital oil and gas exports, leaving Gulf governments with a clear strategic imperative: diversify, at all costs.

21 hours ago

Demonstrators hold a banner reading “Papua is not vacant land” on Oct. 7, 2025, during a rally in front of the Agrarian and Spatial Planning Ministry office in South Jakarta against a plan to release forest areas in South Papua for national strategic projects (PSN) on food, energy and defense.

No such thing as free lunch: Hidden cost of Indonesia’s food system

While food may appear affordable in supermarkets or politically attractive like the free nutritious meals program or food self-sufficiency campaign, the true costs are often hidden.

22 hours ago

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (front center) and ministers, senior officials and representatives from Pacific countries and intergovernmental organizations pose for a group photo during the Indonesia-Pacific Forum for Development High Level Dialogue on Wednesday in Nusa Dua, Bali.

Indonesia as the missing partner in Pacific development

A more structured trilateral framework involving Indonesia, Australia and Pacific Island countries would likely be more effective than fragmented bilateral efforts.

23 hours ago

interview

Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy Vice Adm. Harold Liebergs.

premium

International cooperation key in facing emerging naval threats: Dutch Navy commander

Deputy Creative Economy Minister Irene Umar gestures during an interview with The Jakarta Post at the ministry office in Autograph Tower, Thamrin Nine, Central Jakarta, on May 7, 2026.

premium

Creative economy needs stronger inter-ministerial ties: Deputy minister

Trade Minister, Budi Santoso gestures while speaking during a special interview with The Jakarta Post on April 22 at the Ministry Of Trade office in Jakarta.

premium

RI seeks new suppliers, export markets as tensions mount: Trade minister

Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong

premium

‘China, Indonesia must continue upholding international fairness and justice’

German Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and ASEAN Ralf Beste speaks on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, during the submission of his credentials as Ambassador to ASEAN to Secretary-General Dr. Kao Him Hourn.

premium

In turbulent times, shared interest can bridge value gaps: German envoy

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung gestures while speaking about his first year in office and developing the megalopolis on Jan. 20, 2026, during an interview with 'The Jakarta Post' at City Hall in Gambir, Central Jakarta.

premium

Jakartans must embrace global city status: Governor Pramono

Yahya Cholil Staquf, chairman of Indonesia's largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), speaks during an interview on Jan. 29, 2026 with The Jakarta Post in Central Jakarta.

premium

NU must transform to navigate uncertain world order: Chairman Yahya

insight

Insight: The strategic role of PT SMI in fiscal policy and economic expansion

Indonesia’s future economic growth will not be determined solely by the size of government spending, but also by how effectively development financing is managed.

4 months ago

Insight: Rethinking work: Driving sustainable growth in the digital age

The digital age has redefined how we live, communicate and work, but perhaps nowhere is this shift more critical than in the field of medicine and public health. As healthcare systems integrate digital technologies, the traditional roles of medical professionals are being reshaped.

11 months ago

Insight: Innovations in managing and developing human capital

Over the past few years, the role of human resources (HR) has expanded far beyond administrative tasks. HR professionals today are expected to drive innovation, enhance the employee experience and align people strategies with business goals. With the help of technology, these responsibilities have become more manageable, and in many ways, more impactful.

11 months ago

Insight: AI and Efficiency: Sacrifices The Next Generation

Introduction: From One Disruption to Another

1 year ago

Insight: Securing a healthier future: The importance of Indonesia's plasma fractionation facility

The global health crisis brought on by COVID-19 tested healthcare systems worldwide, and Indonesia was no exception. As one of the world’s most populous nations, the nation faced immense challenges yet demonstrated resilience and adaptability in navigating the pandemic.

1 year ago