Reformasi Dispatch
134 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsIndependent and lucid analysis of Indonesian politics, policymaking, justice, and economics featuring Kevin O’Rourke and Erin Cook. The podcasts incorporate exclusive interviews with experts and draws on content from the Reformasi Weekly reports, produced for subscribers since 2003.
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Episodes
Step (Son) Change: Widodo Clan Preps for the Prabowo Era
April 19, 2024 05:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBMedan Mayor Bobby Nasution is seeking to run for governor of Indonesia's fourth-largest province and his father-in-law Joko Widodo appears keen to help -- Reformasi Dispatch examines why. Also: With Lawrence Wong designated as Singapore's next prime minister, the city-state is embarking on a new era - but it might still bear close resemblance to the old... Finally, Erin and Kevin discuss the twin impacts of a higher oil price and a weaker exchange rate on the fiscal outlook and fuel prices.
Bamboo-zled? Prabowo & Xi in Beijing
April 05, 2024 05:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBAmid electoral disputes unfolding in the Constitutional Court, President-Elect Prabowo Subianto abruptly appeared in Beijing, hosted by Xi Jinping. Kevin and Erin Cook break down the significance and note that Prabowo sought to convey balance by also visiting Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur. Also: how the new Jakarta Law exceeds expectations by making fewer changes than anticipated, and a check on developments in another Constitutional Court, in Bangkok. Subscribe to Reformasi weekly newsletter: r...
Goal Kicked by Golkar - A Peek at the Prabowo-Era Party Arena
March 22, 2024 03:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBIndonesia's national election vote‑count concluded relatively smoothly, with the Widodo family's PSI falling well short of inclusion in parliament while the Soeharto-era ruling party Golkar expanded its vote share at PDI‑Perjuangan's expense. Jeff and Kevin break down the implications and outlook. Also: an all-too predictable kerfuffle on new Customs restrictions for arriving travellers and some thoughts on a portentous WTO ruling on palm-derived biodiesel.
Indonesia's Vote Count: Applying Pressure Can Inflate PSI (in 'pounds per square inch'?)
March 16, 2024 02:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBReformasi Dispatch takes a closer look at the vote-count process unfolding, with help from a foremost civil-society figure, Khoirunnisa ('Ninis') Nur Agustyati of Perludem. We discuss the technical drawbacks affecting the online 'SiRekap' display of the Election Commission (KPU) and whether commissioners acted judiciously in taking down the display on 5 March. Ninis explains the significance of C-Form tabulations from ballot stations and possible explanations for some to still remain miss...
Knee-capped by SiRekap: Concerns Mounting about Party Counting (with Erin Cook)
March 09, 2024 06:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBIndonesia's election authorities took down the 'SiRekap' online display of the vote count -- just after an improbable leap in the count for PSI, the party of the president's younger son. Erin Cook of Dari Mulut ke Mulut steps in as co-host with Kevin to discuss the legislative‑election tallying, whether Jakarta's November gubernatorial contest will feature direct voting and to what extent parallels are discernible with politics in the Philippines. Plus: weighing in on Taylor Swift and get...
Sartorial Litigants? Widodo Beyond 2024
February 29, 2024 18:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBA recent presidential fashion statement -- a bright yellow necktie -- triggered anticipation that he may harbor designs on a takeover of Golkar, the Soeharto-era ruling party that will likely remain second-largest in the next parliament. Insider sources cited by Tempo magazine corroborated this indication of this maneuvering via sartorial elegance. But a Golkar takeover next December would be no simple task, even for the powerful Joko Widodo -- and it might conflict with the interests of P...
Helter-Smelter: The Crippling Cost of Regulatory Lassitude (with Katherine Hasan)
February 23, 2024 07:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBNickel smelter air pollution, and the cost on the economy and public health, is the focus of substantive research in a new 100-page report from Crea and Celios. Crea analyst Katherine Hassan discusses the findings, methodology, and implications -- including the possibility of much of Eastern Indonesia eventually becoming a highly polluted and impoverished zone. At issue is whether regulatory enforcement will address options for cleaner nickel processing technology, smokestack scrubbing and...
It's Widodo Wot Won It (with Seth Soderborg and Wahyu Dyatmika)
February 18, 2024 03:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MBPollster Seth Soderborg joins for our post election wrap up as Indonesians overwhelmingly cast ballots in the first round for Prabowo Subianto who syphoned support from Joko Widodo's fellow party member, Ganjar Pranowo. Now Ganjar's party, the Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) must decide whether to join a governing coalition or reprise its role as parliamentary opposition. That's something its chair, Megawati Sukarnoputri may relish more than her cadres who may have developed a...
Indonesia: At a Crossroads No Longer
February 13, 2024 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBThe Prabowo-Gibran ticket has succeeded in portraying the 14 February national election as, in effect, a referendum on Widodo-ism -- with themselves on the overwhelmingly popular side promising "continuity". But will it instead, unbeknownst to many, actually prove to be a referendum on democracy? Jeff and Kevin discuss new polling data and the impact (if any) of some livelier public discourse in the final days approaching balloting. We expect a comfortable first-round majority for Prabowo....
A New Special Episode with Andreas Harsono on Buy Me A Coffee
February 12, 2024 05:00 - 39 seconds - 505 KBIf you enjoy Reformasi Dispatch, you might enjoy our special episode. In this special episode, we talk to Andreas Harsono, a veteran reporter and rights advocate writing for the NGO Human Rights Watch. Get the episode on Buy Me A Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reformasi/e/219468
Squarely in the Turnout Zone: 1st Round Majority May Hinge on Whose Supporters Show (with Dr Seth Soderberg)
February 09, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 48.4 MBIn the final days of campaigning, Prabowo has benefited from joint appearances with the popular president, but prospects for a one-round win are nonetheless questionable. The professional public-opinion research analyst Seth Soderberg joins the pod to delve into the dynamics and assess probabilities. Also: Jeff and Kevin examine cabinet resignation rumors and review the final presidential candidate debate.
Down the Straightaway: Weighing Whether to Weigh In
February 02, 2024 04:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBAs the presidential campaign enters the home stretch, President Widodo may weigh whether to overtly endorse Prabowo, which would indelibly tie him to Prabowo's fortunes. Joint public appearances have been sustaining Prabowo's momentum, but prospects for a first-round majority are not yet fully assured. Also: Jeff and Kevin discuss the politics of rice and food aid as the Widodo administration fends off a spike in the price of the key commodity just days ahead of the balloting.
Indonesia's Valentines Election: Cupid(ity) at Play? (with Hadar Gumay)
January 27, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 50.2 MBNetGrit founder Hadar Gumay explains the mechanics of the 14 February election process - from the voter list to the official count, and all the balloting procedures and monitoring systems in between. Given his experience, this is tantamount to having the workings of a car engine explained by Henry Ford. He cites the complexities, including Papua's communal noken voting, but notes the remarkable organizational successes of past elections. Nonetheless, the upcoming process is not without ca...
A Special Reformasi Dispatch Episode On Buymeacoffee.com
January 22, 2024 14:00 - 59 seconds - 741 KBAs we gear up for an election year we are turning to our donors but this time we are giving back! As a token of our gratitude for your US$20 donation we are making available exclusive content, starting with a special podcast episode recapping the fourth presidential debate. Kevin and Jeff offer up analysis of who had a good night and who fell short. Donors will get insight into whether Indonesia’s fifth presidential election will go to a runoff in June. And if it does which candidate will ma...
Whither the Jokowi-Bowo Nexus? Assessing the Durability of Indonesia's Unlikely but Formidable Political Alliance (with Professor Ian Wilson)
January 19, 2024 07:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MBShould Gerindra Chair Prabowo Subianto be thankful that President Widodo has provided vital backing? Or should the president be grateful that Prabowo has provided a lifeline? How these two regard one another may shape Indonesia's political outlook for some time. For 'Perth-spective,' we turn to Murdoch University's Indo-Pacific Research Center and its senior fellow Ian Wilson, who is actually currently at Singapore's ISEAS. Prof Wilson recounts Prabowo's past campaigning and Widodo's own...
Four on '24: Anticipating the Year Head in Indonesian Politics (with guests)
January 05, 2024 10:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBFour friends of the pod chime in on how they see 2024 unfolding: human rights analyst Andreas Harsono, renewables expert Fabby Tumiwa, environmental scientist Katherine Hassan and Eurasia Group Southeast Asia Director Peter Mumford. At the start of the new year, they outline the opportunities and stakes in their respective fields, touch on elections, the economy, energy and sustainability. Jeff and Kevin add their own musings and recap poll findings and developments ahead of the 14 February...
On Alert: A Civil Society View of Election Administration Trends in Indonesia (with Khoirunissa Agustyadi)
December 22, 2023 06:00 - 55 minutes - 38.2 MBHow resilient are the independent democratic institutions in Indonesia's current election process? A chief monitor of electoral agencies, Khoirunissa of the pro-democracy NGO Perludem, examines campaign finance issues, enforcement of rules on gender equality and preparations for conducting candidate debates. She also takes note of changing roles for key institutions that civil-society organizations (CSOs) had in the past supported as champions -- and points out that CSOs must now remain "a...
Prickly Debate, Cushy Polls
December 17, 2023 06:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBHuman rights and the rule-of-law received rare scrutiny in a well-conducted first debate. Awkward moments occurred for Prabowo Subianto, but new polling shows him very well cushioned. Also discussed: a bill to end Jakarta governor elections, with bewilderingly broad support; and ministers narrowly avert (for now) a broad-backed effort to boost Anwar Usman and perhaps restore him as Constitutional Court chief justice. And in memoriam: the passing of Southeast Asia's longest-serving foreign...
Charting a New Coarse: Indonesia's Turn (with Ben Bland)
November 20, 2023 23:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBGibran Rakabuming's VP nomination triggered a poll swing. Author and Chatham House Asia-Pacific Director Ben Bland joins the pod to lend perspective. Also: Ganjar's remarks on reformasi and President Widodo's fireside chat with Joe Biden. Get our special episode on the 4th Presidential Debate on: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reformasi/extras
Chef Justice: A Recipe for Rancor (with Bivitri Susanti)
November 11, 2023 02:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBAfter a verdict favoring the president's son, the president's brother-in-law lost his post as Constitutional Court chief justice for having egregiously violated ethics. To examine the details of the Ethics Panel ruling, Reformasi Dispatch consulted Bivitri Susanti, a prominent constitutional law expert with Jentera University. The ruling cites Anwar Usman for failing to recuse, mishandling administration and, most brazenly, miscategorizing two of the court's nine opinions -- thereby conver...
PDI-P Turning Bullish: Will the Gibran Gambit backfire?
November 07, 2023 07:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBMegawati visted her father's mausoleum in Blitar and, perhaps having drawn inspiration, permitted party officials immediately thereafter to uncork zingers aimed at Gibran and Prabowo -- whom Djarot Hidayat now calls the 'Neo New Order'. Jeff and Kevin discuss the implications for the election - both legislative and presidential. Also, background for the forthcoming Ethics Panel decision on Constitutional Court Chief Justice Anwar Usman and its implications -- as well as observations from...
"Dinasti Jokowi?" (With Seth Soderborg)
October 28, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 44.7 MBA series of constitutional court decisions last week regarding age requirements for presidential and vice presidential candidates have carved out a loophole seemingly tailor made for President Joko Widodo's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the mayor of Solo. Anyone seeking the highest or second highest office in the land must be 40 years old, according to a 2017 law. The court last week said the minimum age does not apply to anyone who has been elected to public office. As a result Rakabu...
Striving Faux Democracy? Last-minute Verdict Favors Widodo Clan
October 21, 2023 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB200 civil-society groups decried a re-writing of Indonesia's Election Law enabling the president's son to stand for vice presodent. Jeff and Kevin discuss the implications and why there is hesitation about a Prabowo-Rakabuming ticket. Also: Ganjar chooses Mahfud and police pursue the KPK. Get our special episode on the 4th Presidential Debate on: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reformasi/extras
Commodities a la Mode: Seeking Premiums from Sustainability (with Ross Jaax)
October 13, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 41.5 MBAgricultural exports have been in focus and the podcast enlists an expert on sustainability science to share his experiences across the archipegalo wth cultivators of coffee, cocoa, palm oil and rubber. He addresses opportunities afforded by the controversial EU Deforestation Regulation and longer-term implications of rising temperatures. Also: Jeff and Kevin cover recent campaigning as well as the outlook for politics ahead of a momentous Constitutional Court ruling on VP nominee age lim...
Truth or Scare? Indonesian election coverage in the misinformation age (with Ambassador Thomas Loidl)
September 23, 2023 02:00 - 1 hour - 54.3 MBLive from Jakarta! Dr Thomas Loidl, Austria’s ambassador to Indonesia joins the pod as Reformasi Dispatch records its 100th episode in front of a capacity audience at the Austrian Embassy. Kevin and Jeff talk with Ambassador Loidl about why Indonesia’s elections matter, the threat of disinformation. Kevin sets the stage for Pemilu 2024. And a pop quiz uncovers a shocking lack of familiarity with the Sound of Music among embassy staff. All this plus audience Q&A! Get our special episode on t...
Epicentrum or Epic Tantrum? Discussing Asean's Indo-Pacific (with Jonathan Head)
September 09, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 45.8 MBBBC's veteran Southeast correspondent joins Reformasi Dispatch to assess how Asean is coping with super‑power rivalry in a 'post‑globalization' framework. The answer (spoiler alert): could be better. Jonathan contributes his perspective on conditions in Myanmar and the importance of Indonesia's diplomatic efforts via Asean; he also touches on EVs in SE Asia. Also in the episode: Jeff and Kevin cover some sudden shifts in Indonesia's presidential nominating alliances and the VP sweepstake ...
Not Another Bric in the Wall (with Dewi Fortuna Anwar)
September 02, 2023 04:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MBIndonesia's foreign policy is even freer and more active than usual, as President Joko Widodo negotiates the G20, Asean, IPEF, Aukus, the OECD, Brics and other acronyms. On the eve of Asean's Jakarta Summit and in the wake of Widodo's address to Brics, the pod consults foreign policy expert Dewi Fortuna (of the Habibie Center and the National Research and Innovation Agency or 'Brin') who sets forth her "Hedging Plus" description of Indonesia's approach. Also: Jeff and Kevin discuss Ganjar...
Clearing the Air: The Political Economy of Jakarta's Pollution (with Katherine Hasan)
August 27, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 51.3 MBThe Indonesia analyst for the Helsinki-based NGO Crea joins the Reformasi Dispatch podcast to cut through the haze concerning the world's worst smog. We examine SO2, NOx and 2.5ug particulates in Jakarta's 'airshed' and consider the urgency of revamping regulations on coal. While the issue pits coal-related interests against considerations of public health -- and official pronouncements tend to defend coal while faulting the transportation sector -- we ask where policymakers' priorities ac...
Indonesia's Equivocating Economy
August 21, 2023 02:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBEarlier this month Indonesia government data showed the country’s GDP grew at an annualized rate of 5.2 per cent during the three months to June 30. It’s a rate of growth that would be the envy of most big economies not least because it has so far avoided triggering rapid price inflation while paralleling an overall improvement in government services. The state of the economy has helped support a generally sunny outlook among Indonesia’s voters and their favorable views of their outgoing p...
Jakarta Capping Carbon: Indonesian Bourse Imminent (with Bill Sullivan)
August 06, 2023 08:00 - 57 minutes - 39.4 MBA cap-and-trade scheme to encourage emissions reductions is imminent, with application for the power sector as well as avoided deforestation. Jeff welcomes back Bill Sullivan from Christian Teo & Partners to talk about new regulations paving the way towards carbon exchange next month. While small and likely restricted to the domestic market, Indonesia stands out among its neighbours for venturing into the market for carbon trading and offsets, with all the first-mover advantages that the mo...
'As you were' in Asean? (With Tom Andrews on Myanmar)
July 28, 2023 06:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MBJeff, Kevin and Steven talk with the Special Rapporteur for the UN on Myanmar about the country's worsening crisis and what levers ASEAN can use to further its Five Point Consensus. Also: Airlangga Hartarto faces 12 hours of scrutiny from the Attorney General’s Office while facing a rift in his own Golkar party; yet more intrigue affects Pertamina; and Foreign Minister Marsudi in the recent Asean ministers' summit. Get our special episode on the 4th Presidential Debate on: https://www.buym...
Todung Mulya Lubis
July 22, 2023 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBKevin and Jeff speak with the human rights activist and high profile lawyer on unfinished business criminal justice reform under the Widodo presidency, his defense of Time Magazine and the Bali Nine, and prospects for governance reform under a Prabowo presidency about which he’s surprisingly open-minded. Get our special episode on the 4th Presidential Debate on: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reformasi/extras
Move Forward (Or Not): Political Developments in Thailand (with Roberto Herrera-Lim)
July 14, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBWe consult the Teneo SE Asia expert Bob Herrera Lim on the intricacies of what may be a watershed juncture in the politics of Thailand. Also: breaking down Prabowo's Najwa Shihab interview and re-assessing prospects for the indictment of Anies Baswedan. Get our special episode on the 4th Presidential Debate on: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reformasi/extras
Turning Tides
June 30, 2023 23:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBThe leadership of Indonesia’s governing party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) indicates a rapprochement between their respective leaders Megawati Sukarnoputri and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, ending their yearlong estrangement and potentially upending President Joko Widodo’s governing parliamentary coalition. PDIP elites resent Widodo’s reluctance to distance himself with his two time rival and presidential candidate, Prabowo Subianto. Also in the episode: the government re...
No Baulking on Bauxite Ban (with Bill Sullivan)
June 23, 2023 06:00 - 58 minutes - 40.6 MBThe long-awaited ban on exports of raw bauxite ore is in place and Reformasi Dispatch turns to an expert on resource‑sector regulations to examine the drivers of policymaking -- including stark variations that differentiate assorted minerals such as nickel, bauxite, copper and tin. Also: a review of the start of Minister Luhut Panjaitan's defamation proceedings against two prominent human rights activists; and a look at one of the world's most prominent Indonesians, the 17‑year singer-songw...
The Chameleons (with Bintang Lestada)
June 16, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 46 MBDefense Minister Prabowo Subianto continues to garner the president's favor, providing poll momentum. This marks a dramatic re-invention of his perceived persona since 2019, when he rejected the election outcome and violence ensued. Jeff and Kevin examine the latest twists in the presidential contest and consider the crucial role of Joko Widodo. As for another chameleon: the 'Hollywood Con Queen' case is garnering international headlines. Reformasi Dispatch talks with an enterprising Indo...
Courting Disaster (with Amilia Rosa)
June 10, 2023 06:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBCourting Disaster —The Constitutional Court appears poised to hand down a ruling that would give political party leaders including Megawati Sukarnoputri, chair of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) power to hand pick representatives to sit in parliament following legislative elections. Such a ruling would erode voter choice while enhancing the the sway of elites. With the head of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Firli Bahuri, seemingly bent on pressing c...
Three-Ring Circuit: Constitutional Court under Crossfire
June 02, 2023 05:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBIndonesian constitutional justices saw fit to extend the tenure of Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) members, while also considering a late-stage alteration of the legislative electoral system. Also before the court: a request to lower the minimum age for a vice‑presidential nominee, which would allow Solo Mayor Gibran Rakabuming (the president's son) to be Prabowo Subianto's running mate. And the court's chief justice is Gibran's uncle... (Note: subsequent to the recording, the court cr...
Indonesia 2024: Campaigning Commences (with Andreas Harsono)
May 26, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 41.7 MBA veteran human rights expert joins the pod to reflect on press freedoms a quarter-century since Soeharto's fall. Andreas Harsono also provides an update on the Widodo administration's gesture to acknowledge 12 cases of past rights cases. Also: Jeff and Kevin assess Ganjar's initial campaign performances and messaging -- along with an abrupt move by the Prabowo camp to 'go negative' at an early stage. And finally: sudden rancor over the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and the Ba...
Asean on its Merits (with Scot Marciel): Discussing 'Imperfect Partners the US and Southeast Asia'
May 19, 2023 05:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MBThe former US ambassador to Indonesia and Myanmar joins Reformasi Dispatch to share his views -- compiled from a career devoted almost entirely to diplomacy throughout the Asean region. Ambassador Marciel's book uses a wealth of personal vignettes to highlight over-arching themes such as democratization, institution-building, and engaging with the region on its merits -- rather than as a foil to China. Jeff and Kevin ask the ambassador about legal-system institutions, Indonesian democracy,...
Epic Showdown Ahead? The state of Indonesia's presidential polls (with Seth Soderborg)
May 12, 2023 04:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MBWe turn to an expert for an update on polling methodologies and what the numbers say thus far about where the candidates stand. After gyrations during April, we ask the Harvard Ph.D. candidate Seth Soderborg about the constituencies, strategies and dynamics that could prove decisive in the months ahead. Also, Kevin and Jeff recap the ill-fated 'Grand Alliance' and discuss how Anies Baswedan is elevating respect for democratic norms as a potentially powerful campaign theme. Get our special...
Epic Showdown Ahead? The state of Indonesia's presidential polls (with Seth Soderberg)
May 12, 2023 04:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBWe turn to an expert for an update on polling methodologies and what the numbers say thus far about where the candidates stand. After gyrations during April, we ask the Harvard Ph.D. candidate Seth Soderberg about the constituencies, strategies and dynamics that could prove decisive in the months ahead. Also, Kevin and Jeff recap the ill-fated 'Grand Alliance' and discuss how Anies Baswedan is elevating respect for democratic norms as a potentially powerful campaign theme. Support us on b...
Illuminating the Household: Domestic Workers Bill Finally Progresses (with Eva Sundari)
May 05, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 42.7 MBAfter nearly 20 years, a bill to help protect maids and household servants from exploitation finally appears poised to pass into law. A longstanding proponent, former parliamentarian Eva Sundari, joins the pod to explain the bill's features, which she describes as moderate and modest. A central feature will be a registration system to help track workers' whereabouts and guard against involuntary servitude. In addition, Jeff and Kevin review the ongoing whirlwind of party politicking, incl...
From the Archive: Interview with Ganjar Pranowo on June 2021
April 27, 2023 04:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBThis is the full interview with Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo on June 2021 in Indonesian. Get our special episode on the 4th Presidential Debate on: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reformasi/extras
From the archive: Ganjar Pranowo
April 27, 2023 03:00 - 38 minutes - 26.9 MBIn the wake of Megawati Sukarnoputri’s decision to back Ganjar Pranowo for president we thought we would replay our June 2021 interview with the Central Java governor. Kevin and Jeff talked with the governor about improving the pool of skilled labour, protecting the environment, the effectiveness of the KPK and Covid 19. The Delta wave of the virus would hit his province within weeks of our interview. What we didn’t know at the time was that our interview would be among the last he would g...
Ganjar Gets Go-Ahead (with Erry Hardjapamekas)
April 21, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 47.4 MBGanjar Gets Go-Ahead (with Erry Hardjapamekas): The long waiting game with Megawati has ended as the PDI-P chair moved on 21 April 2023 to announce her intention to endorse the governor for president. This improves Indonesia's political outlook; it also renders parties of the erstwhile United Alliance (KIB) adrift and triggers rampant speculation about vice-presidential running mates. Jeff and Kevin discuss some scenarios ahead. Also: a KPK founder joins the pod to discuss the commission'...
Meddle Gauntlet
April 14, 2023 02:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB10 months to the day before next year's momentous election, Indonesia's electoral process is plodding through a veritable gauntlet of meddling. This includes spurious procedural disputes, unscrupulous legal attacks and a late-stage attempt to revise rules. And the once-independent Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) is at issue: an editorial in Tempo, once a staunch KPK defender, asserts that the commission is now an instrument of abuse. Machinations seemingly aim to indict Anies Baswedan re...
More Morowali Worry: Conditions at Indonesia's Nascent Nickel Monolith (with Peter Yeung)
March 03, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 46 MBInternational scrutiny of the processes that produce batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) is inevitable -- and already beginning. The author of a recent Wired article on the topic joins the pod. Also: Jeff and Kevin discuss the implications of a potential attempt by the chair of the Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) to name former Jakarta Gov Anies Baswedan as a suspect, and a clear-cut case of a tourist-on-tourist stalking exposes law-enforcement frailties. Get our special episode on the...
Industrial Grade Evil
February 24, 2023 08:00 - 36 minutes - 25.5 MBSteven and Jeff speak with Awan Puryadi, one of the lawyers in involved in a class action suit on behalf of 25 families of victims who had drank cough syrup laced with industrial grade solvents that are lethal for humans. The families are seeking billions in compensation from pharmaceutical companies, distributors and the government for allowing the mass poisoning. The Pak Awan says the families want the government to devote resources toward long term care for those suffering debilitating ...