Tweeting the economy

Sign reads 'Economic, Political Policies', hand (right) reads 'Prices'

Government assurances that the country's economic fundamentals remain strong has done little to stem declining exports, a weakening rupiah and widening balance of payments deficit. Souring inflation meanwhile, following President Yudhoyono's (left, who recently jointed Twitter in order to 'stay in touch with the people') widely criticised decision to increase subsidised fuel prices, has seen the cost of many staple foods double over the last few weeks.

Kompas - June 29, 2013

Prices are under control

Man: Prices are under control... there's a 'driver' right

Despite repeated assurances by the government that market prices are under control, the much criticised fuel price hike – just weeks before the fasting month and Idul Fitri holidays when increased demand sees an annual spike in prices – has resulted in the cost of staple foods such as rice, chicken, sugar and chilies more than doubling.

Kompas - June 26, 2013

Social Exhibitionism of Politikus

From an oped piece titled The Social Exhibitionism of Politikus (Politikus – literally 'political rat', a derogatory term for politicians)

Kompas - June 25, 2013

BaLSeM

Kid: BaLSeM. Warm... provides instant relief for kerokan (after oiling and scraping the body) and soreness!

The government's temporary cash assistance program (BLSM) – ostensibly to cushion the poor against the inflationary impact of the recent subsidised fuel price hike – has been branded as mere pork barreling, as ministers with no connection to the scheme scramble to be seen distributing largesse among voters ahead of next year's elections.

Kompas - June 22, 2013

Will it reach its target?

Man: Will it reach its target, no, yes? (chest reads Fuel Compensation Funds, book reads 2013 State Budget)

If past experience is any guide, the government's program to compensate the poor for the planned fuel price hike will likely miss its target with much of the money being siphoned off by corrupt government officials or given to well-off families that are not entitled to assistance.

Kompas - June 19, 2013

Simalakama fruit

Man: Simalakama fruit is sweet too right Mr? (a play on the saying "Like eating Simalakama fruit, if you eat it your father will die, if you don't your mother will die")

President Yudhoyono (left) has defended his government's widely unpopular plan to hike subsidised fuel (BBM) prices – which critics say will do little to help the budget deficit and the resulting inflation will throw millions into poverty – saying it's a "bitter pill we have to swallow" to save "the nation's budget and the future of the country".

Kompas - June 15, 2013

Legislative elections

Next year's legislative election is unlikely to yield any improvement in the quality of lawmakers since political parties have selected candidates based on popularity rather than ability, with an Indonesian Voters Institute analysis of the candidate lists submitted by the 12 parties participating in next year's ballot finding most contenders are either exiting lawmakers or celebrities.

Kompas - June 14, 2013

Ready to win Mr?

Man: Ready to win Mr?

Cakada: Yep

Man: Are you also prepared to loose?

Cakada: Yep...

Violent clashes between "supporters" of rival candidates (Cakada) in the election of regional heads is becoming commonplace with more than 70% of elections resulting in some sort of controversy and dozens of regional polls turning violent because of mob action in support of losing candidates.

Kompas - June 12, 2013

Time Bomb

Bomb reads: Terrorism, Bank Century scandal, Lapindo mudflow disaster, Hambalang corruption scandal, narcotics, police general's fat bank accounts, beef import scandal, fuel price hikes, Poso sectarian violence, etc...

Kompas - June 8, 2013

Congratulations Mr President

Man: Congratulations Mr [President]

Ignoring ridicule and angry protests by rights activists and religious minorities, the US-based interfaith organisation the Appeal of Conscience Foundation presented President Yudhoyono – who's administration has presided over a rising tide of state-sanctioned religious persecution – with the World Statesman Award on May 30 in "recognition of his work in supporting human rights and religious freedom".

Kompas - June 1, 2013