President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has been trying to facilitate a smooth transition of power for his successor Prabowo Subianto by various means, but accommodating Prabowo’s signature programs in the 2025 budget has proven to be the most challenging considering the narrowing fiscal space and economic deceleration.

With over two months still to go until his inauguration in October, president-elect Prabowo Subianto has nonetheless established good rapport with President Vladimir Putin, setting the tone for Indonesia-Russia bilateral ties during his Moscow visit early this month. During their meeting, Prabowo described Russia as a “great friend” and discussed the possibility of various cooperations.

To prove his commitment to the development of Nusantara Capital City, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo insisted on working there, despite the ongoing construction and less than ready state for habitation. Regardless of the questions about the motive behind the decision. Jokowi is simply sending a message, especially to the incoming government, that the show must go on.

The rivalry between National Awakening Party (PKB) chairman Muhaimin Iskandar and the ruling Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) brothers Yahya Cholil Staquf and Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has taken a new turn as they use the organizations to undermine each other.

Global uncertainty will persist at least until next year, and the country will need all the support it can get on the fiscal side to keep the wheels running for domestic economic activity.

The running theme in the country's post-independence history is that only through unity among the political elite, the people and the Indonesian Military (TNI), did Indonesia manage to free itself from the shackles of colonialism. 

This cycle of violence has prevented any initiative to hold a dialogue to end the decades-long conflict in Papua.

Macroeconomic data, including that 5 percent growth rate we have achieved with remarkable consistency, reflects the current state of the economy but not the risks that lie far ahead.

Golkar Party chairman Airlangga Hartarto sent shockwaves through Indonesia’s political landscape when he abruptly stepped down from his position as the leader of the country’s second-largest party. While Airlangga claimed his decision was to ensure a “stable transition” between the current administration and the next, others have speculated that it was due to an underhanded maneuver by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has been trying to facilitate a smooth transition of power for his successor Prabowo Subianto by various means, but accommodating Prabowo’s signature programs in the 2025 budget has proven to be the most challenging considering the narrowing fiscal space and economic deceleration.