Groundwork: Facilitating Change’s Post

Pakatan Harapan may have won the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, but Umno and Amanah must do more to win over the Malay votes, or Malaysia will have another fragmented outcome in GE16, says political analyst Dr Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk. More on Twentytwo13. #politics #Malaysia #Selangor #voters #news #Media #Twentytwo13 #Twentytwo13news

All my meetings in #Jakarta were cancelled today, as thousands of Indonesians took to the streets to protest the revision of the Regional Election Law. 1. The Constitutional Court recently made a decision on age eligibility and electoral thresholds for regional elections. This was seen as a move to democratise the nomination process. However, #Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) quickly moved to revise the Regional Election Law to "overturn" this decision. 2. This "lightning fast" legislative action raised concerns among students and activists, who fear it might undermine democratic processes or benefit certain political interests disproportionately. As a result, thousands of protesters gathered in front of the DPR building to demand transparency in the legislative process, and to express their discontent with the rushed and potentially manipulative changes to election laws. 3. Student groups and civil society organisations have also expressed concern that this revision could entrench the power of established political players while making it more difficult for new or less connected candidates to compete effectively. This has fuelled fears that the revision might undermine the democratic nature of regional elections by favouring certain political interests over broader public representation. 4. Enough ink has been spilled over the recent actions by politicians and their parties, and on the possible repercussions of the proposed revisions to the Regional Election Law, so there is little more I can add to the discourse, save that I hope that democracy will prevail in this beautiful country. And to all residents of Jakarta, please stay safe. I have included, in the comments below, links to a selection of relevant articles by Bloomberg, CNA, CNBC, CNN, and The Jakarta Globe. Video by a friend who participated in today's protest.

My op-ed is now available in The Jakarta Post. The article examines the ongoing political discourse in Indonesia concerning the House of Representatives (DPR) Right of Inquiry into alleged election fraud in the 2024 elections. It delineates the intricacies of the situation, noting that major political parties such as PDIP, PKS, and PKB have expressed support for the inquiry. In contrast, others, including Nasdem and PPP, have maintained silence. The article underscores the critical role of PDIP, which holds the majority in the DPR and highlights the party's lack of clear direction, leading to indecision and hesitancy. Such hesitancy raises pertinent questions regarding the commitment of political parties to uphold democratic integrity and the potential ramifications of the inquiry on Indonesia's political landscape. The article advocates for a shift in political culture towards transparency, accountability, and the active engagement of all stakeholders to fortify the foundations of Indonesian democracy. https://lnkd.in/gHyn99en

Fulcrum Commentary by Julia Lau, Antonius Made Tony Supriatma and Yanuar Nugroho - Quick counts, which are not official, indicate that Prabowo Subianto is Indonesia's presumptive eighth president. The question now turns to how big his government and coalition in Parliament will be and whether any olive branches he extends to his opponents will be accepted. https://lnkd.in/gKTv-KvW #Indonesia #PrabowoGibran #PrabowoSubianto #GibranRakabumingRaka ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS)

Did you had thought “Why the Indonesia’s election result was looked like that?” Why Prabowo Subianto can be a winner, even with the number that is so far away ahead from other candidates? We are also asking it because if we open our social media platform, Anies Baswedan or Ganjar Pranowo more convince us that they can won this competition because they had a lot of followers than Prabowo. Here is the reason I think. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/dR-MUUHh

https://lnkd.in/gajkwc6h Democracy is under testing in Indonesia. we all know very well from the time of StrongMan politics, how it had travelled embracing democaracy. Hope they know how to travel further.

As we edge closer to yet another by-election on May 11, the 7th under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Unity Government, it's worth reflecting on the potential impact of the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baru (KKB) by-election. With six such elections occurring just last year, the question arises: Will this by-election hold enough sway to alter existing dynamics? Could it mark a further advancement for PN into Selangor through KKB? This forthcoming by-election unfolds amidst a backdrop of pressing issues and contentious events that have unfolded over the past two months. Against this backdrop, the question looms: will PH secure victory once more? Can it maintain, or even expand upon, its previous majority votes? Here's what analysts told me: https://lnkd.in/gYuwGpZp

My article was also published in The Jakarta Post yesterday (02/20). It discusses the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle's (PDI-P) potential opposition role following its expected loss in the presidential election despite its continued success in legislative elections. The party's return to opposition, as during Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's presidency, presents an opportunity to champion democratic integrity, transparency, and accountability. The PDI-P's ideological stance, rooted in Sukarnoism or Marhaenism, positions it as a critic of policies that may favor elitist interests. The article emphasizes the importance of a vibrant opposition in safeguarding democracy and the need for the PDI-P to balance constructive criticism with collaboration while maintaining its political legitimacy and grassroots support. https://lnkd.in/gAtcc986

As Indonesia gears up for its crucial election on 14 February 2024, the political landscape is abuzz with speculation and anticipation. With most surveys favoring Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming as the winner, a reflection on the post-election is needed to understand the various factors to be anticipated. This preliminary analysis will delve into three key checkpoints that will likely shape the course of the election and its aftermath: the future opposition, the threat of united government, and the prospect of the rise of critical civil society--which insignificant for years under two tenure of Jokowi's administration. My full reflection on the 14th February election: https://lnkd.in/eUzFRz4G