Indonesia

Creative Economy: Blok-M Square Painting Center

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We’re exploring spaces in Jakarta that have the potential for becoming hubs for creative economy. Earlier this week we went even further into the now trending traditional market, Pasar Santa. Today we’ll go into Jakarta- government-owned, modern retail complex called Blok-M Square, noting in particular its painting center that plays host to Jakarta’s streetside artists. [continue reading]

 

National Police Job Rotation

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On Monday (Dec. 15), National Police Chief Gen. Sutarman issued Police Secret Telegram Letter Number: ST/2500/XII/2014 regarding the rotation of a number of mid-ranking and high-ranking police officers as the part of police career development and promotion program. More than 100 officers were affected by the rotation. [continue reading]

Jokowi’s Christmas in Papua

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The government will hold a joint national Christmas celebration in Papua for the very first time. But some Papuans reject the idea altogether, referring to the December 8 incident in Enarotali of the district of Paniai, which caused the death of five Papuans. [continue reading]

The Threat from Self-Radicalization in Indonesia

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On Monday (Dec. 15) Australians were shocked by a hostage-taking situation that took place at a cafe in Sydney, Australia. The hostage taker was identified as Man Haron Monis, a supposedly troubled, self-radicalized person with a deep history of violence. It was a tragedy that sparked a discussion on self-radicalization and its threat to national security. This led our thoughts closer to home as we began pondering about self-radicalization in Indonesia. [continue reading]

Revisiting Pasar Santa

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We featured Bambang Sugiarto, the head of Pasar Santa traditional market, several weeks ago to understand the trending traditional market. Since then, we’ve read even more reports about Pasar Santa, especially after the soon- to-be Vice Governor of Jakarta Djarot Syaiful Hidayat went to visit the traditional market. And so on Sunday (Dec. 14), we revisited Pasar Santa to check on things. [continue reading]

Aliya Rajasa Traumatized by Journalists?

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Last month, we attempted to organize a one-on-one conversation with Alya Rajasa, the daughter in law of the Sixth President of Republic of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). We wanted to learn more about her engagement in social work activities through her foundation, namely, Satoe Indonesia. Having made contact with Alya’s staff, we were asked to send our list of questions. We asked why it was necessary, and we were made aware of a traumatizing experience with journalistic inquiry. [continue reading]

Business Side of Hendropriyono

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Abdulla Macmud Hendropriyono is a controversial figure in Indonesia. He’s known primarily for his military prowess, and his work as the chief of Indonesia’s State Intelligence Agency (BIN) under Megawati Soekarnoputri’s administration. But as with most retired Army generals, Hendropriyono became director/chairman in a number of private companies in Indonesia, including PT Mahagaya Perdana, PT. Carrefour Indonesia of Chairul Tanjung’s Trans Corp, and Blitzmegaplex of PT. Graha Layar Prima. In addition to that, the retired four-star general also has his own business empire called Hendropriyono Corporation. [continue reading]

Jokowi’s Commitment for Papua

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President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo tried hard to show his commitment to the social welfare of Papuans. As a presidential candidate Jokowi kicked off his election campaign in Papua on Jun. 5, 2014. And later, on the day of his inauguration, the President gave the ceremonial cutting of tumpeng (tumeric infused rice cone), which symbolizes blessing for the future, to three Papuan women. And then, the President also appointed Yohana Susana Yembise as the first female Papuan Minister in Indonesian history. But now that societal conflict has once again appeared in the frontier province, what will Jokowi do beyond the symbolism?[continue reading]