The Pulse
The Pulse is a biweekly update on current issues, which also include how Indonesia sees the phenomenon. The Pulse, produced by Synergy Policies, wishes to engage the public, particularly policymakers, advisors, lecturers and students. As of now we have three themes: foreign affairs, social protection, and democracy.
*The authors’ views are their own and do not represent the official position of the Synergy Policies. These papers may be reproduced with prior permission from Synergy Policies and due credit to the author(s) and Synergy Policies.
[Published Aug 20, 2024.No. VIII/06/D/2024]
IKN (Indonesia’s New Capital) and Its Controversies
Indonesia embarks on an ambitious journey to relocate the nation's capital from the bustling metropolis of Jakarta to a newly planned city in East Kalimantan province. The implementation to build IKN, however, remains controversial. While proponents argue that the relocation is a necessary step towards a more balanced economic development between Java and the outer islands, critics raise concerns about the financial, environmental, and social implications of such a massive project.
[Published Jul 15, 2024. No. VII/05/D/2024] The Rise of Dynastic Politics: Is it an Asian Value?
In recent years, dynastic politics colors the discourse of Asian politics, drawing both support and criticism from different segments of society. One controversial comment is whether this is an "Asian value," one that is deeply rooted in the region's historical, cultural, and social contexts. If some consider dynastic politics valid and acceptable, does it mean that dynastic politics won’t pose any problems within a government framework?
[Published Jun 3, 2024. No. VI/04/FA/2024] Indonesia and Prabowo’s Stand In The South China Sea
The South China Sea dispute has always been important to Indonesia. With the start of new leadership in October 2024 under President Prabowo Subianto, the world is closely monitoring Indonesia's stand in the South China Sea. Will Indonesia be firmer towards China? Would the President (Ret.) General Prabowo Subianto provoke war in the sea? What is the overall Indonesia’s forthcoming approach to regional security?
[Published May 20, 2024. No. V/03/SP/2024] What’s Up With Subsidized Employment Social Security (PBI Jamsostek) in Indonesia?
Indonesia promotes universal coverage for social security. For healthcare, it has a subsidized program for the poor, called the PBI program (Penerima Bantuan Iuran) or literally translated as a program for the beneficiary of government subsidy) in its National Healthcare Insurance or the Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN). Such subsidies for JKN are provided by the state budget and by the provincial or district governments’ budgets. But there is yet such a subsidy for employment social security (Jamsostek) that could protect the needy against work accidents, death, and old-age.
[Published May 6, 2024. No. V/02/D/2024] Who is the next opposition in Indonesian politics?
The Constitutional Court dismissed the lawsuit filed by non-front-running presidential candidates accusing fraud in the February 14th, 2024, election. This rejection is inevitably certifying Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka as the Indonesian President and Vice President for 2024-2029. Prabowo’s next move is to build a regime that can win the support of the legislature.
[Published Apr 22, 2024. No. IV/01/FA/2024] Israel vs. Iran and the responses from the West
Israel continues to show its determination to push world politics into two bleak choices: to take part in supporting Israel to punish Iran, or to bear all (bad) consequences from Israel retaliation to Iran. The United States and the European Union are facing difficult choices.