The protracted political rivalry aside, Jakarta seems to be ill-prepared for the race. The polemic over the race track only shows the Jakarta government did not involve as many stakeholders as possible in the decision making.

Jokowi’s instruction was bold and unprecedented but may simply be too little, too late. He could have prevented the rampant violations of the right to freedom of religion had he announced his tough policy when assuming power in October 2014.

It is important that the government speed up economic reforms, but in doing so it needs to ensure transparency to provide certainty.

Huge challenges stand between the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and resolution of the case, not only because of internal problems within the antigraft body, but also the semblance of a conflict of interest on the part of the ruling party, the PDI-P.

In this new era of massive government surveillance, it would be very difficult for former IS fighters to drop off the radar and go rogue.

The IA-CEPA is framed around five pillars of cooperation: enhancing economic and development partnership, connecting people, securing the region’s shared interests, maritime cooperation and contributing to Indo-Pacific stability and prosperity.

Precisely because we have a hugely popular leader, who has turned out to have adeptly embraced his former opponents, the press remains among the relatively few precious watchdogs of Indonesia’s government and democracy.

Definitely China, the world’s second-largest economy, will suffer as the economic fallout of the virus outbreak unfolds. China’s economic doldrums could be as contagious as the virus. 

Uncertainties surrounding vaccines will continue to add downside risks to the global economy, which is facing challenges from climate change, US economic stagnation, public discontent around the world and conflicts in the Middle East.

The most controversial and socially sensitive component of this comprehensive reform concerns investor demand — notably among foreign investors — for more flexible labor regulations.

Jakarta has struck a fine balance between giving Beijing some courtesy while also standing up for the fate of its citizens.

While his second term should be easier, Jokowi will still need to work extra hard, especially as he’ll have to do most of the heavy lifting himself, given his comparatively weak vice president in Ma’ruf Amin.

Jakarta needs to ensure that Jakarta’s white- and blue-collar workers still have easy access to affordable food and the small and micro entrepreneurs still have access to earning a livelihood.

This is the moment for the people to stand up and act on the constitutional mandate, not only in support of the Palestinians, but also in defiance of a US government that looks increasingly toothless and unwilling to become the role model it was once for many other countries, and for its abandonment of the multilateral system.

Sri Mulyani rightly views defending the credibility of fiscal management as crucial amid the mounting global uncertainty to maintain market confidence in the country’s macroeconomic stability.

We, like the WHO, would like to trust China in caring for all our citizens, but worried Indonesian nationals have the right to their government’s protection.

Unless the enforcement of laws is not strengthened to build up a stronger good corporate governance system within the business sector, the upcoming omnibus laws may be rendered less effective to boost investment.

The PDI-P clearly benefits from a less powerful KPK. The latest case in point is the KPK’s ongoing investigation into alleged bribery surrounding a PDI-P member. 

Until the WHO issues a new protocol to handle the current outbreak, it would be better for the country to exercise the same level of preparedness implemented during the bird flu emergency.

Despite the ups and downs, the fact that Chinese-Indonesians and so-called “native” Indonesians have coexisted for many years shows there can be a bright and cohesive future as one nation.

Airlines need highly competent management, as the business is complex, capital- and labor-intensive and extremely competitive with a very thin margin, and therefore difficult to run.

President Xi Jinping said 217 people in China had been infected, with one case reported in South Korea, while last week two were reported in Thailand and one in Japan.

The House of Representatives and the government must ensure that a wide range of voices provides input on the drafts — make them public for review — and be flexible in adjusting to broad public needs as opposed to vested interests.

It is safe to say that the requirement for the KPK to seek a permit from the supervisory council to conduct raids — and even the very existence of the council itself — has not only made the KPK less effective, but also less independent.

The bylaw, if enforced, will force city residents to think twice before buying cars.

Asabri and Jiwasraya’s experience was clearly the result of weak supervision, both by the OJK and the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Ministry.

The bushfires and forest fires should present Australia and Indonesia with an opportune moment to consider climate issues at the top of their cooperation agenda.

Expectations are high that omnibus laws on politics and elections, or an amalgamation of the two, offer a breakthrough to accelerate consolidation of democracy.

Indonesia is one of the world’s largest gas producers, but ironically, its gas price is among the highest in Southeast Asia.

The President has kept his knack for inclusive national development intact this time around and has even pushed for a legacy — moving the capital city away from Java — that looks largely irreversible. However, Jokowi still has more to prove in the geopolitical sphere — especially when compared to his immediate predecessor.