Politics: News & Insights

Outreach efforts toward developing nations cannot be easily separated from the politics of power, with countries such as Japan and India vying for prominence with China.

Asia Insight

India pushes 'Global South' goals on to G-20 agenda

Grouping of less industrialized countries remains loosely defined

25 April 2023

Materials

Jokowi squeezes key EV material exports to spur Indonesian industry

U.S.-China tensions give Jakarta opening to pursue nationalist trade strategy

23 April 2023

Interview

U.S. 'hopeful' on dialogue restart with North Korea: special rep

Sung Kim also says expanded drills with Indonesia 'good for regional stability'

19 April 2023

What appears to be a railroad terminus station building in Jakarta projects an unfinished appearance years after trains were supposed to begin rolling. (Photo by Anna Nishino)

Belt and Road

Belt and Roadblocks: More of China's borrowers fall into distress

Indonesia worries about whether it might fall into Sri Lanka-like debt trap

16 April 2023

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, center, talks to members of the U-20 national soccer team at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta on April 1.

Politics

Indonesia U-20 World Cup cancellation sparks political backlash

Potential Jokowi successor's anti-Israel rhetoric targeted for blame

11 April 2023

Indonesia has been denied the opportunity to host this year's U-20 World Cup after it opposed the entry of the Israeli team.

Sports

Indonesia stripped of FIFA tournament, killing World Cup dream

Nation denied event after protests erupted over Israel's participation

30 March 2023

Hundreds of conservative Muslims march in Indonesia's capital on Monday to protest against the Israeli team's participation in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

Sports

Indonesia U-20 World Cup roiled by Israel participation row

Politically charged opposition in Muslim-majority country cancels tournament draw

29 March 2023

Islamic State supporters are growing in some Southeast Asian countries.

Terrorism

IS-linked extremists infiltrate ASEAN, eyeing Indonesia 2024 polls

Islamic State sees Philippine groups as good conduits, uses Singapore social media

21 March 2023

Malaysia's national flag flutters at a construction site in Kuala Lumpur. In recent years, Malaysia has fallen behind giant neighbor Indonesia in attracting foreign direct investment.

Economy

Malaysia trails Indonesia in attracting foreign direct investment

Experts say reforms, political stability are essential for country to narrow gap

21 March 2023

South China Sea

ASEAN and China aim for South China Sea 'hotline' trial in 2023

Bloc's chair Indonesia tries to mitigate collision risks amid growing tensions

10 March 2023

Indonesian President Joko Widodo signed a new regulation on March 6 offering tax holidays for investments in Indonesia's planned new capital, Nusantara. (Source photo by AP and Erwida Maulia)

Economy

Indonesia's Jokowi approves new list of tax holidays for Nusantara

Capital authority receives 100 letters of intent, including from China, U.S.

9 March 2023

Workers stand overlooking the Grasberg copper mine in Indonesia's Papua province. Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo plans to ban copper experts tentatively in the middle of the year.

Commodities

Indonesia eyes extending export bans to bauxite, copper and beyond

Jokowi aims to develop downstream industries at home, but risks trade frictions

7 March 2023

Agricultural commodities trader Louis Dreyfus is working with smallholder farmer partners on a range of sustainability projects, such as one pictured here with coffee farmers in Indonesia. (Photo courtesy of Louis Dreyfus Co.)

Agriculture

El Nino threatens more food price volatility, Louis Dreyfus says

European commodities merchant engages startups to address Asia's food insecurity

6 March 2023

President Joko Widodo visits the site of Nusantara, which he envisions as Indonesia's next capital, on the island of Borneo, on Feb. 23. (Photo courtesy of Indonesia's presidential office)

Politics

Jokowi promotes Indonesia capital project as Asia's fintech hub

Bigger Nusantara role hints at president's haste on legacy bid before term ends

5 March 2023

A geothermal power plant in Indonesia. Japan will provide loans to help the country accelerate its transition to clean energy. (Photo obtained by Nikkei)

Climate Change

Indonesia's PLN to receive $200m Japanese loan for renewable energy

Deal to be signed Friday under Asia Zero Emission Community initiative

3 March 2023

Among the presidential candidates who criticize the policies of Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo (right), former Jakarta Gov. Anies Baswedan currently leads in opinion polls.

Asia Insight

Indonesia pre-election jostling threatens Jokowi's economic agenda

From Nusantara to EV batteries, president faces uphill battle to secure legacy

28 February 2023

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, right, meets with China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Jakarta on Feb. 22. (Photo courtesy of Presidential Secretariat)

International relations

Jokowi seeks support from China for Indonesia's new capital

Beijing's new foreign minister vows Belt and Road projects to finish 'on schedule'

22 February 2023

Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo talks during an interview with Reuters in Jakarta on Feb. 1.

Myanmar Crisis

Can Jokowi build a legacy out of Myanmar crisis?

Hopes high for Indonesia's role in restoring order in embattled country

19 February 2023

Fumio Kishida, left, shakes hands with Joko Widodo in Nusa Dua, Bali, in November 2022: Japan must make an extra effort to be chosen as a viable economic partner.

Opinion

Japan must show why it should stay Indonesia's partner of choice

Two nations have much room to take advantage of commonality and complementarity

16 February 2023

Indonesia wants to form closer ties with India, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati tells Nikkei Asia. (Photo by Kosuke Imamura)

Interview

Indonesia seeks closer India ties to strengthen Global South role

Developing countries 'source of solution' for world problems: Finance Minister

14 February 2023

Ferdy Sambo, a former Indonesian police general accused of murder, during his trial at South Jakarta District Court in Jakarta.

Politics

Former Indonesian police general gets death for killing subordinate

Latest law enforcement scandal as national anti-graft ranking plummets

13 February 2023

East Timor's Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, who is also a former East Timor independence fighter, and Indonesian President Joko Widodo wave to photographers as they meet at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, Indonesia, Feb. 13.

International relations

Indonesia, East Timor to expand economic ties at two border islands

Jokowi pledges to help East Timor develop human capital to enter ASEAN

13 February 2023

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, right, welcomes here East Timorese counterpart, Adaljiza Magno, during the 32nd ASEAN Coordinating Council meeting in Jakarta on Feb. 3.

International relations

East Timor faces economic challenges ahead of joining ASEAN

Talent, financial deficits weigh on tiny state also caught up in China-U.S. tussle

12 February 2023

ASEAN's foreign ministers meeting in Jakarta, which ended on Feb. 4, reaffirmed their common position on the conflict in Myanmar. (Photo courtesy of Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Myanmar Crisis

ASEAN urges unity on Myanmar peace plan, avoids splitting bloc

Indonesia works to paper over splits shown in December meeting

4 February 2023

Joko Widodo, center, and other leaders after the opening ceremony of the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh in November 2022: Indonesia should decisively respond to the region's crises.

Opinion

After success with G-20, Indonesia now must rally ASEAN to act

Myanmar and China have to be made to take regional group more seriously

2 February 2023