We must be competitive

Widodo: We must be competitive

Despite warnings that Indonesia desperately needs to solve problems such as a lack of research (riset) funding, interest rates, logistics costs, energy and bureaucracy ahead of the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (MEA), President Widodo is already talking up joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) which activists say would open the country to being sued by disgruntled foreign investors, violate labour laws and undermine the availability of cheap generic medicines.

Kompas - February 24, 2016

As long as we're safe

Kid: For us it doesn't matter if we're late as long as we're safe right Dad? (sign reads 'Economy Class')

Ignoring safety concerns, conflicts with existing special plans and the loss of vital water catchment areas, the government appears determined to proceed with a high-speed train project dubbed PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) connecting Jakarta with Bandung, which will cost a whopping US$5.5 billion that many say would be better spent on desperately needed repairs and the expansion of Indonesia's existing rail network.

Kompas - February 20, 2016

Anti-Corruption Law

Kid: Is it to empower or weaken who Dad?

Not content with replacing the Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) leadership with more compliant commissioners which anti-graft activists say have dubious records on fighting corruption, the government and the House of Representatives is ignoring widespread public opposition and pushing ahead with plans to revise the anti-corruption law (RUU KPK) aimed at limiting the anti-graft body's power to investigate and prosecute graft cases.

Kompas - February 13, 2016

Senayan style boxing

Kid: This is most certainly a case of Senayan style boxing

Women's rights activists are demanding justice be served in the case of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle lawmaker Masinton Pasaribu who allegedly punched his female aide in the eye. Despite saying that it would work with police to resolve the case, the House of Representatives' (Senayan) ethics council – notorious for shielding lawmakers from ethical and criminal investigations – appears reluctant to take the case seriously saying it is unable to proceed due to lack of evidence.

Kompas - February 6, 2016