At least now ASEAN and China have a formal forum to defuse tension in the resources-rich sea. Both sides have committed to keeping the conflict at a manageable level because the South China Sea is one of the world’s busiest sea lanes. 

Indonesia’s economy recovered strongly last year amid global shocks and high inflation pressures to reach the highest growth rate since 2014. 

We had come to see jammed roads as a necessary evil for an emerging economy, but the COVID-19 curbs proved overwise. We learned that traffic could be vastly reduced while life went on because much of the work to keep the wheels of society spinning could be done from home.

It is safe to assume that the QRIS system, having grown over the years both in usage and features, will assume an increasingly dominant role in digital payments.

The government is facing a catch-22 situation in managing its haj finances.

Paludan's antics have drawn condemnation not only from the governments of Muslim countries, but also from the secular West. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was quick to condemn the incident as “deeply disrespectful”, while a spokesman of the United States State Department called it “repugnant”, “disgusting” and “vile”. 

This does not sound like a nation that respects freedom and diversity, both guaranteed by the constitution, the state ideology Pancasila, and the state motto "Unity in diversity".

And for those who expect that the regional grouping can have relevance to ordinary people's lives, they certainly hope Indonesia can repeat the success from the Group of 20.

A long-term view that includes training and other empowerment facilities is necessary in deliberating the bill on protection for domestic workers, which can only benefit Indonesia and our workers both at home and abroad.

For sure Jakarta needs traffic restriction policies like ERP, due to the growth of motorized vehicles that far outpaces that of roads in the megalopolitan city

Village heads could become “little kings” that would no longer be able to differentiate between public and personal interests in exercising state power.

Stopping the production of copper concentrate will not only adversely affect export earnings and state revenues but also will cause massive worker layoffs.

Jacinda Ardern played the role model of a leader who not only did her best for her nation, but also knew when to step back and ensure a sustainable succession.

The investigation team also concluded that the Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) had been negligent by ignoring regulations and called for the resignation of its chairman and executive committee. 

Erick became a sort of continental poster boy for making the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang a success.

The end of the New Order in 1998 marked the beginning of a new era of inter-racial relationships, in which the state took action to eliminate discrimination against minority groups.

Indeed, only by acknowledging the suffering of the victims and giving them the justice that they deserve could true reconciliation, or closure, finally be achieved.

Pressure on the rupiah will be generated more by the growing concern over a global economic recession, which is setting off negative investment sentiment in emerging economies like Indonesia and causing investors to move to safer places.

Similar provisions in the old criminal code had been revoked by the Constitutional Court in 2006 and 2007, respectively, on the grounds that they undermined freedom of expression. 

Without mutual trust it would be difficult for both countries to fully cooperate in implementing the CPOPC six priority programs.

A hike in commuter-line ticket prices will add to the burden of inflation, potentially exacerbating the pressure on the public’s purchasing power.

We owe it to ourselves to learn and openly discuss the truth about the gross human rights violations that the state has sought to conceal to protect a handful of powerful individuals and institutions.

The foreign minister has the opportunity to leave a bold legacy at the Foreign Ministry. Her foreign policy choices will help determine ASEAN’s success under Indonesia’s leadership this year.

The PDI-P, under Megawati's leadership, won the last two elections, and a number of opinion surveys predict it will score a hat trick with the 2024 polls.

The positive trend is unlikely to last long, given the relaxed implementation of restrictions and the reopening of regional borders.

He is making his Indonesian trip as a winner, having gone through over two decades of political persecution at home.

China is not the first or the only country to face entry restrictions during the pandemic. Indonesia endured such measures much earlier but deemed them acceptable, as governments were responsible for protecting their citizens from danger, even though tourist arrivals could help their economies survive the storm.

As the country aims to sell products with high added value, it should consider better, more polished and well thought out policies that encourage more cooperation instead of collisions at home and overseas.

While the Constitution recognizes the Perppu as a legal instrument, it still requires the president to invoke a “compelling emergency” to justify its use.

We suggest that the pricing mechanism for subsidized fuels as Pertalite also be redesigned in a way that gradually brings fuels closer to market prices.