TheJakartaPost

Accepting ‘binan’ language but not ‘binan’ identity

The linguistic and social evolution of bahasa binan, particularly its entry into Indonesian popular culture, ironically highlights the continuing stigmatization and discrimination of the queer community from where it originated.

16 hours ago

The Latest

China's President Xi Jinping (right) receives US President Donald Trump after a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026.

Managing Sino-American interdependence

In a world of intertwined global value chains, the US and China have undeniably developed a relationship of “mutually assured economic pain.”

17 hours ago

Women hold up posters that read, “Life is still hard [while] my taxes are used as they like. Stop MBG,” during a protest in Jakarta on June 18, 2026, calling for a review of the free nutritious meal (MBG) program, lower fuel prices and create more jobs for women. (AFP/Bay Ismoyo)

Strengthening tax capacity: The foundation of fiscal future

To fund its ambitious development goals without crashing the economy, Indonesia must shift its focus from raising tax rates to fixing the fragmented institutional machinery required to collect them.

18 hours ago

Wisma Danantara Indonesia stands out on Jl. Jenderal Sudirman, Central Jakarta, on July 8, 2025.

Danantara's hidden amnesty: A threat to legal equity

The Patriot Bond promises to fund national development, but its exceptionally low yield tells a different story. By offering sweeping legal immunity to wealthy investors, the vehicle risks morphing from an innovative financial tool into a toxic, de facto amnesty.

19 hours ago

A store in Padangsidimpuan city, North Sumatra, emits generator-powered light on May 22, as the street lies shrouded in darkness. The blackout affected almost all of provinces on mainland Sumatra Island. Electricity company PT PLN said electricity was normal again on Sunday.

Opinion premium

Analysis: Power blackouts reveal a deeper energy dilemma

Recent rolling blackouts have exposed more than temporary technical failures. Although the government and state-owned electricity company PLN attributed the outages to shortages of medium-calorie coal and technical problems at two independent power plants, the disruptions highlight a deeper dilemma: balancing affordable electricity tariffs with the financial sustainability of electricity amid rising geopolitical and energy market uncertainty.

19 hours ago

Editorial premium

A late apology, a longer reckoning

In the Dutch context, colonial events are known, documented, even taught, but their moral weight remains strangely muted.

20 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.

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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.

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

Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong

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‘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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

5 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.

1 year 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