Trading away our data sovereignty?

Feb 23, 2026 | Market

President Prabowo Subianto and Donald Trump sealed the new Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), the headlines focused on tariffs, market access and strategic commodities. But tucked inside the digital trade chapter lies a clause far more consequential than a marginal...

Closing the door on media bargaining

Feb 23, 2026 | Market

For years, governments around the world have grappled with a difficult question: How should they ensure that global digital platforms fairly compensate local media for the news content that fuels their traffic and advertising revenue? Indonesia appeared poised to join...

The Belvin Tannadi case

Feb 23, 2026 | Law, Market

The recent sanction imposed by the Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK) on stock influencer Belvin Tannadi has exposed a darker side of that digital revolution: the thin line between education and manipulation. OJK fined Belvin Rp 5.35 billion after concluding that he engaged...

Indonesia within the Board of Peace

Feb 23, 2026 | Politics

In the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace (BoP) held in Washington on Thursday (19/02), President Prabowo Subianto represented Indonesia among other participating leaders. Yet, domestically, questions persist regarding what concrete deliverables Indonesia stands...

Quiet layoffs (2)

Feb 23, 2026 | Market

Last year was one of the best years for palm oil producers. Astra Agro Lestari (AALI), member of Astra International (ASII), for example, booked net profit of Rp1.47 trillion, an increase of 28% from 2024. Yet, this company reduced its workforce significantly....

Nickel production cut: Not applied to Hengjaya

Feb 22, 2026 | Commodities, Market

Pretty much as predicted, Indonesia’s nickel production cut is not applicable across the board. PT Weda Bay Nickel (WBN), a company co-owned by Tsingshan (China), Eramet (France), and Antam (Indonesia), and other nickel miners have received less than 30% of their...

A rare opposition

Feb 22, 2026 | Industries, Market

Prabowo administration’s decision to import 105,000 trucks from India through state company PT Agrinas has finally gained more oppositions, which is rare these days. Analysts, automotive industry association, lawmakers, and even ministry of industry have expressed...

Great Deal or Faustian Bargain? (2)

Feb 20, 2026 | Market

The United States of America and the Republic of Indonesia have on Thursday (Feb 19) signed an agreement on reciprocal trade. Reciprocal might not be the right term because most of the articles in the agreement started with these words…”Indonesia shall” and “Indonesia...

The politics of proximity

Feb 20, 2026 | Politics

When does hospitality become political capital? And when does access turn into advantage? These questions resurfaced after Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar attended the inauguration of a religious facility linked to politician Oesman Sapta Odang (OSO),...

Another General at the Helm of a Civilian State Body

Feb 20, 2026 | Politics

The appointment of May. Gen. (ret.) dr. Prihati Pujowaskito as president director of BPJS Kesehatan marks more than a routine leadership transition. It reinforces a pattern that has gradually taken shape under President Prabowo Subianto: the placement of retired...