IA-CEPA Enters Into Force: Poor Timing for Indonesia?
Through the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), Indonesia looks to benefit most from potentially greater Australian investment in the education sector and the provision of skills training. COVID-19, however, puts significant challenges in the way of achieving those goals.
Aircraft Crash Highlights Need for Defence Modernisation in Indonesia
Indonesia’s defence forces suffer from a lack of modern equipment. The government is currently weighing up options for further upgrades from the United States and Russia.
Restrictions Ease in Indonesia as COVID-19 Cases Grow and Politicians Seize Opportunities
The Indonesian Government has begun easing restrictions as daily cases continue to increase. While it is difficult to gauge the impact of that move, prospective presidential candidates are already vying to benefit from perceptions of government incompetence.
COVID-19 in Indonesia is Underreported and Under-Addressed
The Indonesian central government must enact strong nationwide policies if it is to stem the spread of COVID-19.
Dutch Royalty Visits Indonesia: Enduring Friendship but Unlikely Partners
The bilateral relationship will endure through close economic ties but is unlikely to expand significantly beyond that sphere.
Indonesia Makes Claim for New Borders in the South Pacific
If approved, Indonesia’s claim on the Eauripik Rise north of Papua could become a source of short-term friction in the South Pacific. It is unlikely those claims will have long-lasting ramifications, however, given that the Indonesian Government is in a good position to negotiate on them.
Palm Oil Exposes Vulnerabilities for Indonesia and Malaysia
Palm oil exports from Indonesia and Malaysia may become more vulnerable targets for retaliatory measures from India and China in the future.
Indonesia Already Feeling Economic and Social Impacts of the Coronavirus
The economic impact of the coronavirus will be most felt through a drop in the number of tourist arrivals, as well as falling copper prices. Chinese-Indonesians are again being targeted by misinformation campaigns that could increase tensions in the short term.
What to Expect from a Closer Indonesia-France Defence Relationship
After France and Indonesia sign the Defence Co-operation Agreement, most of the progress in the partnership will be seen in intelligence sharing, training, exports and manufacturing.
Indonesia’s Disillusionment with Democracy
It is unlikely that there will be a Constitutional amendment in the short term. Growing pressure, however, in addition to nurturing public support, could see such an amendment take place further down the track.