A multifaceted, systemic approach is necessary to address Indonesia's dual crisis of iron deficiency anemia and childhood stunting, to ensure the health and well-being of current generations so they can thrive and contribute to our collective future.

We the people, as civil society, have a duty to revitalize political education to provide the checks and balances necessary to uphold Indonesia's constitutional democracy and for us to avoid an illusion of democracy.

In many cases, differences are politicized, with those in power, whether through religious, political, or social majorities, feeling threatened by the presence of minority groups.

In December 1948, Sumitro wrote US secretary of state Marshall that the Netherlands was using US aid for its military operations in Indonesia.

Domestic gas prices remain high due to the complexity of Indonesia’s energy market, a system trapped in feedback loops that policymakers continue to address with short-sighted measures.

Collaboration between the UAE and Indonesia across various spheres, as well as the two countries' shared stance of nonalignment, can serve as a model for greater cooperation between the GCC and ASEAN.

Agrifood systems contribute to a third of global greenhouse gas emissions – further intensifying climate impacts that disrupt agricultural productions.

As a young girl, I dreamt of shaping future generations as a teacher, nurturing minds that would one day lead the nation. But that dream soon evolved, sparked by a fascination with the natural world during my time with the Scouts.

Strict monitoring of imported products can prevent the entry of goods that do not meet safety and quality standards.

Upon deeper inspection, the TNI’s budget distribution unveils unsettling discrepancies between its branches—anomalies that have persisted in the shadows for over a decade.

All the breakthroughs in scientific research will be utterly futile unless accompanied by a shift in public behavior concerning antibiotics.

While the JETP offers great commitments, they are difficult to reconcile with the noticeable shortcomings in ensuring transparency, accountability and inclusion. Indonesia’s energy transition is not just a set of projects or programs to be negotiated between the central government and donor countries.

ASEAN is central to the EU’s Indo-Pacific policy and the regional bloc has explicitly called for greater engagement with all its dialogue partner.

The recent talks Jakarta hosted on the Myanmar crisis over the weekend has left more questions than answers, only pointing to the continuing division and lack of unity in the regional trade bloc.

Anwar, in effect, demonstrated finesse in diplomacy, by ensuring that he maintained good relations with both India and Pakistan while protecting Khan from potential harm during his imprisonment.

As climate impacts diminish Southeast Asia’s food supply, ASEAN leaders must protect peoples’ right to food and shift to sustainable, climate-resilient, and equitable food systems.

For its critics, the death penalty is about revenge and incivility no matter how much its defenders try to frame it as an effective deterrent.

Government data show that Java still dominates both procurement and spending, indicating a high need to initiate both central and regional programs that focus on building the capacity, competitiveness and quality of local suppliers toward more equitable, inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

As certain private schools ramp up children's exposure to digital technology in early childhood education with minimal objection from parents, the pedagogical focus should home in on quality and age-appropriate engagement as a complement to developing the necessary foundational skills during their formative years.

The resiliency and robustness of Indonesia’s digital economy depend on strategic investments in data center infrastructure.

Quantum computers, once a distant prospect, now threaten to breach Indonesia’s most sensitive data far sooner than anticipated. As the nation marches toward Golden Indonesia 2045, the imperative to fortify against quantum risks has never been more urgent.

ASEAN must develop a more cohesive structure for conflict prevention, crisis management and conflict resolution to address internal issues such as the Myanmar crisis. 

AI is magnifying risks for Indonesia's digital citizens, but it is also helping to root out fraud at an earlier stage.

The VAT on self-build projects can be an entry point for the government to design a tax policy that is flexible and takes into account the disparity in economic values across regions.

While the easing of interest rates provides some relief to businesses and consumers, it does not directly address the issues of a shrinking middle class or the manufacturing sector's contraction.

The complexity of information handling and the strict bureaucratic work structure of supply chain management result in inefficiencies, which pose a challenge to efforts to cut logistics costs in Indonesia.

Despite its potential, there are signs that enthusiasm for the RCEP among some ASEAN countries is declining.