The May 2024 edition of the Indonesian Update features a main report regarding Freedom House’s assessment of civil liberties, democracy and Indonesian law in 2023 and 2024. The situation of civil liberties in Indonesia is very dependent on the quality of its legal dynamics. Every effort needs to be made to achieve Indonesia’s identity, which prioritizes the rule of law by fulfilling civil liberties to achieve a democratic country.

 In the economic sector, the Indonesian Update addresses the conditions of Indonesia’s international trade amidst global uncertainty. In the midst of current uncertainty, the Government must strive to strengthen international trade, such as through diversifying import-export markets, focusing on value-added products, and providing facilities and infrastructure to increase the capabilities of MSMEs.

Next, we also discuss Indonesia’s economic potential through the development of cultural heritage. Indonesia is one of the countries with the greatest diversity of people, cultural heritage and beliefs in the world. The potential for cultural heritage in Indonesia is very large because it is sustainable with the creative economy.

In the political field, the Indonesian Update focuses on assessing the effectiveness of the cabinet, which will be led by the Prabowo-Gibran pair as elected President and Vice President. It is important to consider legal aspects regarding the number of ministries that Prabowo wants to avoid negative impacts on bureaucracy and the balance of power in government.

Next, we discuss the challenges of law enforcement in eradicating corruption, especially related to political corruption, which seems to still be the main focus in 2024. This refers to the ‘boom’ in 2024 with political activities such as the last election, and the regional elections which will be held in November coming. Referring to data from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), 40% of the suspects processed by the KPK (2004-2023) came from political circles, both legislative members and regional heads.

Then, we also discussed the preparation of voter lists, which is an important stage in holding elections in Indonesia, including in the regional elections in November. It is important for election organizers, especially the KPU, to map and prevent problems from arising in compiling the voter list for the 2024 Pilkada.

In the social sector, the Indonesian Update addresses population policy through the Indonesian Family Development Index. A comprehensive family resilience system requires the role and participation of all elements of the society. Next, we also discuss the dangers of pornography for the young generation in Indonesia.

It is hoped that the monthly publication of the Indonesian Update with current themes will help policy makers in government and business institutions – as well as academic circles, think tanks and elements of civil society, both at home and abroad, to obtain actual information and contextual analysis about economic conditions, politics, social and law in Indonesia, as well as an understanding of public policy in Indonesia.

 Happy reading.

The post The Indonesian Update — Volume XVIII , No.5 – May 2024 (English Version) first appeared on The Indonesian Institute.