Mehrtens became the victim of the conflict and the stubborn behavior of the government, which has maintained a security approach to deal with the Papua problem.

Political scientists are still debating how much celebrity influences matter in elections, but we have reasons to worry about political parties exploiting the charm of celebrities and public figures.

When the renewable energy bill finally does get passed, it will hopefully include stipulations on power wheeling that allow independent power producers to sell electricity directly to consumers through PLN’s transmission network.

As a new government prepares to take over, the ruling coalition must recognize that political meddling in professional organizations like Kadin sets a dangerous precedent.

The PON, which should have provided talent from all over the country with a stage on which to display their achievements, instead showcased violations of sportsmanship, and acts of violence and vandalism, which run counter to the core values all athletes are responsible for promoting.

The UN resolution sent a clear message that most of the world are with the Palestinian people.

The sudden focus on fish “milk” as a flagship idea risks becoming more of a political distraction than a meaningful nutritional intervention.

As Prabowo has made it clear he will be hands-on in foreign policy activities, he needs a minister who knows very well his vision and ambition and has a strong capacity to deal with regional and global affairs.

The salary cut would punish employees in the formal sector, as the government would add to their burden with more costs to bear, while potentially incentivizing people to stay in the informal sector.

Having everyone, or almost everyone, on board, may make for greater political expediency, at least from a president’s point of view, but it’s bad for democracy, and for effective governance.

The country still needs to make significant efforts to uphold freedom of religion as guaranteed in the 1945 Constitution, especially since government, whether central or regional, is often guilty of fanning the flames of intolerance through contradictory regulations.

The 21st edition of the National Games (PON) opened on Monday with much pomp and fanfare, marking a historic first this year with two provinces cohosting the multisport event, but the country must look beyond the visuals toward investing in sports infrastructure to facilitate the elevation of our athletes in the eastern regions to the international arena.

Prabowo may have broken with ASEAN tradition in taking his “preemptive” regional tour last week instead of after his inauguration, but seeing as his aim was to reassure our neighbors that Southeast Asia would remain the core of his administration's foreign policy, it is highly likely that Indonesia's next president will keep with the low-key, primus inter pares approach of his predecessors.

Indonesia’s citizens, particularly its youth, have shown signs of frustration with the current state of governance, as reflected in various online movements and even last month’s protests against political efforts to circumvent a Constitutional Court ruling.

As long as all is well with the middle class, goes the general assumption, all is well with Indonesia. But what if all is not well and Indonesia’s middle class is no longer burgeoning?

Kaesang’s private jet brouhaha has highlighted the KPK’s weak efforts in the country, especially on the legal side.

The pope demonstrated his respect for Indonesia’s diversity and religious harmony through his visit to Istiqlal Mosque.

In Paris, the Indonesian squad created two historic Paralympic records, in boccia and badminton.

Indonesia has always taken part in global solutions, defended the interests of developing countries and played a role as a bridge builder in the global fight for equality, justice and solidarity. 

Megawati certainly wants to build a better relationship with Prabowo’s upcoming administration.

Finding a way to donate these imports to the poor, who could not buy them new, should do no damage to domestic producers, as long as leakage into the market is prevented.

This coming week, Indonesia prepares to welcome the second pope to ever visit the country since 1989, who brings with him a timely message of peace, justice and humanity amid democracy's ailing health across the globe.

For us to achieve a “golden” generation of Indonesians, as enshrined in the 2045 Vision, it is incumbent upon political parties to develop their talent pool and refrain from making assumptions that dismiss voters as lacking intelligence.

The Defense Ministry must carefully decide which cooperative activities it will engage in, especially given Australia’s ambitious nuclear-powered submarine program, part of the trilateral AUKUS pact.

Indonesia will have another opportunity to collaborate with China on a major peace mission in Southeast Asia a after the peace process in Cambodia in 1990.

It took less than a day of protests for lawmakers and the government to finally bow to the popular demand for compliance with the court’s rulings.

To shine in their adulthood, young souls need the right cognitive stimulation, physical activity and nutrition to develop their creativity, literacy and logical thinking.

Under Indonesia’s chairmanship last year, ASEAN hardly made progress in solving the Myanmar cause, but in the final months of his term, Jokowi can change the game.

The party's politicians are focusing on how to secure influence in the next government, either in the cabinet or other strategic institutions.

In addition to venting their anger over the Regional Elections Law revision, on Thursday people also poured their deep-seated resentment of Jokowi, who has done everything within his power to solidify his political dynasty.