The July 2024 edition of the Indonesian Update features a main report regarding the conditions of protectionist policies in the world and Indonesia. Protectionism can be said to be on the rise and is threatening globalization and world trade. Protectionist policies; for example, trade barriers such as tariffs and quotas, are also some of the causes of deglobalization.

In the legal sector, the Indonesian Update highlights the importance of indigenous community participation in the upcoming 2024 regional head elections (Pilkada). The participation of indigenous peoples in political contestation in Indonesia still needs attention, and efforts need to be made to increase it. Furthermore, we also discuss the importance of facilitating freedom of opinion and expression for marginalized groups. Like citizens in general, marginalized groups have the same right to voice their opinions.

In the political field, the Indonesian Update discusses mining management policies for community organizations (ormas). After the Government passed Presidential Regulation Number 25/2024 concerning Mining Permits for Mass Organizations, there have been pros and cons among the public because it has been full of political interests. Next, we raise the topic on the urgency of reforming the Indonesian National Police from two main aspects. The first is the aspect of the human rights (HAM) perspective, considering the high number of cases of violence committed by the police. Second is the aspect of monitoring, supervision and internal accountability of the institution.

Still in the political field, the Indonesian Update also discusses plans to add state ministries in the State Ministries Bill. The increase in the number of ministries will of course have the consequence of increasing bureaucracy in the upcoming government. In fact, current world developments encourage bureaucracy to develop into modern organizations that work efficiently and effectively.

In the social sector, the Indonesian Update raises the issue of setting retribution rates for organizers and perpetrators of online gambling as an alternative option for social punishment. However, this is only temporary and cannot resolve people’s addictive behavior towards this game. Furthermore, we also discuss that women with widow status who work as migrant workers are heroes not only for their families but also for the country. Therefore, the Government needs to increase synergy between ministries and institutions, as well as other relevant stakeholders in disseminating information about social protection guarantees.

It is hoped that the monthly publication of the Indonesian Update with its 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.7 – July 2024 (English Version) first appeared on The Indonesian Institute.