Work for The New Energy Minister: Restoring Public Trust
After a few delays, finally President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo announced his Cabinet. And once again, he successfully surprised many.
One of the surprises was the appointment of the energy and mineral resources minister. Sudirman Said, the new minister, was not among the names initially circulated as candidates for the post, and furthermore, he is less-known to the industry than other candidates. Regardless of how well-known he is, many tasks needs to be solved immediately.
MD3 Laws in Indonesia: Sword of Damocles over the Jokowi Presidency?
Synopsis
The amended Law on Legislative Bodies (or MD3 Laws) has received scant attention although it is a scourge for the new Joko Widodo administration.
Jokowi’s “Look West” Foreign Policy: Expanding Indonesia’s Sphere of Influence?
Synopsis
While President Jokowi has to contend with intense short-term domestic challenges, it does not mean he will completely decry the internationalist foreign policy outlook of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. His primary strategies will be to turn Indonesia into a “global maritime nexus” and pursue a “Look West” strategy.
Addressing Indonesia’s Maritime Needs: Jokowi’s Ground and Sea-level Challenges
Synopsis
The new Jokowi government faces a major challenge to upgrade its maritime policy to safeguard Indonesia’s economic and defence needs. Besides securing its sea-lanes and overcoming logistical hurdles, the policy has to address the needs of Indonesia’s fishing and sea-based communities across the archipelago.
The Spectacular Rise of Joko Widodo: How Long Can He Last as President?
Synopsis
The inauguration of President Joko Widodo today, 20 Oct 2014, has raised hopes of a new beginning for Indonesia. Can he assuage doubts about his political longevity?
Returning ISIS Fighters: What Should Be Done With Them?- ANALYSIS
Reports that several disillusioned ISIS fighters want to return to their home countries pose a serious Reports that several disillusioned ISIS fighters want to return to their home countries pose a serious challenge of developing an effective response. Their governments will have to strike a careful balance between deterrence, rehabilitation, intelligence-gathering needs and cost effectiveness.
New Map Of Indonesian Jihadists: PRO-IS And NON-IS? – ANALYSIS
The debates within the jihadist community in the conflict zones of Syria and Iraq influence contemporary jihadists around the world into making tactical choices. Analysing and studying their reception and influence are useful for predicting their trajectories. These provide options for counter-terrorism efforts.
Challenges China Faces For Its Future
China's political, economic and foreign policy over the next decade is not only fundamental to the country itself, but also to the wider Asia-Pacific region and – increasingly -- the world beyond.
Calestous Juma Honored with Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize
Calestous Juma, professor of the practice of international development and director of the Belfer Center's Science, Technology, and Globalization Project, was awarded the coveted Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize (LAAP) during a ceremony in the Akwa Ibom State in Uyo, Nigeria, on October 10, 2014.
Keeping EBOLA Away From ASIA: Lessons From SARS – ANALYSIS
Is East Asia prepared for an Ebola outbreak? Even with lessons from the SARS epidemic and the current cooperative mechanisms in place, the region cannot let its guard down in the face of a grave threat to global health security.