Indonesia has been celebrated for its religious moderation and tolerance, but as in many other countries, minority faith groups here have been experiencing rising intolerance and restrictions on religious freedom.

The newly enacted AfCFTA presents unprecedented potentials as one of the most progressive trade agreements globally, enhancing access to a Pan-African market encompassing 54 countries with a combined GDP of US$3.4 trillion.

The need and urgency to bridge the digital divides between and within countries remain critical to ensure the full enjoyment of the benefits of digital technologies for all.

Trump is infamously known for altering the map of global climate change agreements by opposing efforts to limit CO2 emissions at home and internationally.

The focus on human capital is a direct response to the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, which aims to help Indonesia escape the middle-income trap and become a developed country.

The force behind the Aug. 22 uprising was not only activists or civil society, but also students, intellectuals and professionals who had been silent and ignorant of the legal, ethical and constitutional violations committed by Jokowi and the political parties supporting him.

Climate resilience must address not only extreme events like floods and droughts, but also smaller variations in water quantity and quality that can have devastating impacts on vulnerable communities.

The normalized use of single-use plastics like soap sachets and the lack of awareness of these plastics' consequences have paved the way for a mammoth accumulation of plastic pollution in our country.

Toward the end of 2020, amid a world grappling with unprecedented challenges, Indonesia took a bold step in securing its economic future: establishing its first sovereign wealth fund (SWF), the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA).

The basic pillar of maintaining power for a political dynasty is ensuring the validity of its rule, which means that the state apparatus is manipulated to provide democratic legitimacy.

Eliminating infectious diseases must be an integral part of the next government's public health policies to realize the country's ambitious goals as outlined in the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.

Food companies must continue to innovate as public awareness grows about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and consumer preferences evolve to prioritize healthy food choices.

Pope Francis has condemned the exploitation of less developed countries, as well as the lack of international solidarity and uneven development in the current world order.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and president-elect Prabowo Subianto are leaders who share a commitment to strong, decisive governance and are focusing on grassroots issues such as health, nutrition and social welfare.

Prabowo has committed to accelerating Indonesia’s transition into renewable energy by expanding the mandatory mix of 35 percent palm oil in diesel fuel (B35) to B40 next year.

Increasing the value-added tax in this context would likely add significant pressure to an already fragile sector, raising production costs and potentially leading to further job cuts.

As president, Jokowi has successfully consolidated his power by ensuring that coalition parties remain loyal through the distribution of economic resources.

Many children are forced to sacrifice their education to help support their family, which in turn hinders their development and impacts Indonesia's socioeconomic future.

The childhood name was used as a symbol of weakness and a vulnerable past, perceived as a contrast to Jokowi's image as a strong, pro-people leader during his presidency.

Western donors need to maintain a balanced approach between supporting the government and preventing the country's overdependence on China while preserving democratic values.  

While the ongoing global monetary easing is expected to have a positive impact on Indonesia's economy, stakeholders still need to remain mindful of certain risks and take preventive measure to maintain rupiah stability, enhance domestic liquidity and control inflation.

Even female Indonesian leaders, including Megawati, once they become part of the ruling elite, are also imbued with patriarchal attitudes and behaviors.

Although the Conservation Law recognizes the importance of involving indigenous legal communities in the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, it  does not provide them with a meaningful role.

Once championing democracy, meritocracy and anticorruption, many young politicians have made a 180-degree turn and are now eating their words to justify the political practices they used to adamantly oppose.

Pope Francis should speak loudly and without hesitation against Singapore's practice of capital punishment.

There are common cultural practices in ASEAN that align with circular economy principles, such as using banana leaves to wrap up food or passing down old belongings to the younger generation.

Knowing the strategic role that the US, India and South Korea play in the world and in the region, Prabowo should travel there so as to avoid unnecessary misperceptions.