Reformasi Dispatch

Send us a textKevin talks to Glenn Hurowitz of Mighty Earth on Food estate program in Papua. Also, French President Emmanuel Macron pays a visit to the Palace and Borobudur. Police arrested 93 Trisaksti students on the day of remembrance of Reformasi. Ojek drivers held a demonstration responding to the talks of merger between Grab and Gojek.Visit Mighty Earth on mightyearth.orgFor a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

Send us a textKevin and Erin talk to Alon Aviram of Gecko Project on his collaborative investigative reporting regarding Chromium-6 exposure in waters of Obi Island as a result of Harita's nickel expansion. Also, PM Albanese visits Indonesia a day after his second inauguration.Read Gecko Project's investigation here: https://thegeckoproject.org/articles/clean-cars-poisoned-water/For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

Send us a textPolicies of consigning youths deemed problematic to military barracks caused a controversy and an ITB student who made an ai-generative image of Jokowi and Prabowo kissing was arrested with ITE law. For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

Send us a textAs Singaporeans go to the polls, Kevin and Erin talk to Kirsten Han of We The Citizen and Mekong Review on the country's 9-day campaign. Also, Jokowi's visit to the Vatican and later to police HQ to file defamation charges against those who call his diploma a forgery.  And a formidable group of military retirees call for impeaching the VP.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

Send us a textKevin and Erin talk to Angus Mackintosh of CrossASEAN research on the recent stock market dynamics and outlook. Also a report on Russian airbase in Biak became a hot topic for the Australian election. And Widodo received visitors while an Indonesian delegation starts tariff negotiations.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

Send us a textRistian Atriandi of ANU joins Kevin and Erin to discuss TNI Law. Also, Prabowo finally meets Mega, response to Trump tariffs and its delay.It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

Send us a textA 7.7 Richter scale earthquake devastates Myanmar, Thanksin Shinawatra joins the board of Danantara, Indonesia braces for a new set of reciprocal tariffs from Trump, and protests against TNI law continues in several cities. For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

Send us a textKevin and Erin spoke to Fabby Tumiwa of IESR on renewable energy. Also: the new military law, IHSG plunges, and Tempo received threats.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

Send us a textJonathan Head of the BBC joins the pod to discuss Myanmar's scam centerFor a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

Send us a textErin and Kevin catch up with Wahyu Dyatmika to talk about Prabowo's approach to media, especially after Prabowo's meeting with editor in chiefs in Hambalang on Saturday. Also: Corruption case in Pertamina involving son of Riza Chalid, and Thailand sends Uyghurs back to China after leaving them in immigration detention for a decade.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

Send us a textStudent led protests erupt in several cities in Indonesia. Prabowo announced a new round of budget cuts for Danantara. A punk rock duo Sukatani was forced to make an apology video after their song on Police graft went viral. It ironically became the anthem of the protest on Friday. And Hasto Kristiyanto, Secretary General of PDI-P was arrested.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

 Jon Lindborg, a veteran in development, discusses the impact of the USAID freeze on Indonesia.  Also: budget cutbacks and an arrest in the Finance Ministry.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

Indikator Politik's polling corroborates earlier Kompas polling on President's popularity but the majority is against his discourse on changing electoral system. Also: A snaking queue for 3 kg LPG canister after a new policy, Elon Musk's policy of downsizing the US Government starts to take shape after halting funding for USAID, and DHE policy is enacted for March after prabowo's meeting with Ministers.  For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

Kevin and Erin talk to Seth about new Litbang Kompas polling regarding Prabowo's sky-high approval rating. Also, sea fences north of Jakarta caused blame game in the government. For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/You can support us on: buymeacoffee.com/reformasiIt takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

Usman Hamid of Amnesty International Indonesia joins Kevin and Erin to discuss about systemic problems in the police force, human rights violations in Papua, Prabowo's Ministers' denial of past gross human rights vioaltions and deteriorating state of democracy.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/You can support us on: buymeacoffee.com/reformasiIt takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

Myanmar's Deterioration and interview with David Mathieson. Also: launch of lunches (sans Prabowo). Hasto named suspect and VAT hike cancelled.It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

In this episode: 12% VAT confirmed for 2025, Jokowi's absence from Golkar's event and ouster from PDI-P. And a talk with Lauri Myllyvirta of CREA on Prabowo's ambitious energy transition plan.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/You can support us on: buymeacoffee.com/reformasiIt takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

In this episode: a welcome volte-face on prisoner exchanges; another rise in fiscal-policy stakes; and a plan for expanding the Army.  Also: Khoirunnisa Agustyati of Perludem discussed the regional-head elections and upcoming political-law revisions.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/You can support us on: buymeacoffee.com/reformasiIt takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

In this episode: Verbal brawls in Manila escalate between Marcos and VP Duterte, preliminary results of Pilkada in Indonesia. Plus, an interview with the economic analyst Bert Gochet on the interactions between geopolitical uncertainties and  Indonesia's approach to development.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/You can support us on: buymeacoffee.com/reformasiIt takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

In this episode: A special episode on the upcoming Pilkada (regional elections) with Seth Soderborg of SNS Analytics.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/You can support us on: buymeacoffee.com/reformasiIt takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi and help us grow!

In this episode: Interview with Ristian Atriandi Supriyanto of Universitas Indonesia on Indonesia and China's joint agreement regarding South China Sea.  Also: New SMRC polling on Jakarta race, Prabowo's visit to US.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/Read Ristian's op-ed here: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/check-not-check-mate-indonesia-s-nine-dash-line-mistakeYou can support us on: buymeacoffee.com/reformasi

Season 4 Episode 37: Prabowo's moves, US election impact, Labor Law, electoral reformsFor a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/You can support us on: buymeacoffee.com/reformasi

In this episode: Interview with Anindya Restuviani of Jakarta Feminist.  Also: inauguration address, cabinet contours, arrest by AGO, BRICSmembership, new agencies. For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/You can support us on: buymeacoffee.com/reformasi

Interview with 'Majapahit' author Herald van der Linde - pluralism, commerce and justice in pre-modern Indonesia.  Plus, a look at the likely new cabinet roster with some positive late-stage alterations.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/You can support us on: buymeacoffee.com/reformasi

In this episode: Asean Summit, Jakarta governor debate, investigation in South Kalimantan, fiscal deficit outlook, cabinet-roster prognostications.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

This week: Erin Cook talks to Rio Tuasikal on his paper regarding media coverage of AI in Indonesia. Also, Regional-head races, ethanol production, cabinet formation and new legislative leadershipsRead Rio Tuasikal's research on media coverage of AI in Indonesia: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15u1m5c7V0mfx_i2Jip2g687-HIKMVbZu/viewFor a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

This week: Sri Mulyani speculation, Kiwi pilot released, cabinet rumors and sand exports.  Also: Prof James Guild discusses the Widodo-era legacy of infrastructure development.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

This week: the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin) takeover, Widodo's offspring under fire, and updates on the politics of regional-head elections.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

Following the profound setback to democratization from Golkar's takeover, constitutional justices undertook a spirited effort to restore competition to regional-head elections -- only for parliament to countermand the court a day later with a Regional Head Election Law revision.  To examine the whiplash-like effects of events, we enlisted the veteran journalist Wahyu Dhyatmika of Tempo - the venerable news group that occupies a central role in documenting Indonesia's political convulsions. We discuss the circumstances of Golkar Chair Airlangga Hartarto's resignation, the ensuing cabinet reshuffle, two momentous Constitutional Court verdicts on 20 August and the legislative reprisal led by Gerindra in parliament.  We assess the prospects for demonstrations, the implications for the legitimacy of the regional‑head election system and the longer-term consequences for the rule-of-law versus "Ruler's Law".  Credit to our intrepid journalist-and-sound engineer Steven Handoko for turning around the audio file in record time and keeping the content fresh!For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

President Widodo and Prabowo Subianto need no longer contend with restiveness from Indonesia's second-largest party: Golkar Chair Airlangga Hartarto sensationally resigned and his replacement will be the Widodo-Prabowo loyalist Bahlil Lahadahlia. Kevin and Erin discuss the implications for democratization (spoiler: not good) and, specifically, regional-head races (not good either).  For Jakarta's race, the maneuvering will exclude incumbent Gov Anies Baswedan, ensuring the election of Ridwan Kamil as the only party-backed nominee on the ballot - and we examine comparable dynamics in several other provinces.  But, if Widodo emerges as chair of Golkar Advisory Board that has expanded powers, how will that function in practice?  Indonesia's attempt at a duumvirate inevitably entails inherent tensions.  Also: the attempted comeback of the Constitutional Court's former chief justice, Anwar Usman; the abrupt resignation of a key Information Ministry official; and, in Thailand, the ouster of Prime Minister Sretta and his replacement with Paetongtarn (Ung Ing) Shinawatra.  Finally: an interview on human trafficking with the Airlangga University PhD candidate in labor migration studies, Aniello Iannone.  We discuss the dimensions and dynamics of illegal trafficking (TPPO) in Indonesia, domestically and internationally, including the mechanisms of agents operating at the community level - and how certain civil-society organizations are striving to safeguard victims, including children.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

This week, Southeast Asia's politics witnessed the dissolution of Thailand's most popular party (again), and strides in Indonesia's regional‑head elections to thwart the administration's rivals -- in which case, ballots in November may literally feature empty boxes for voters' only alternative to a nominee of a hegemonic alliance.  Also: Erin and Kevin discuss Sheikh Hasina's downfall in Dhaka, as well as a breakthrough Indonesian health reform and latest developments on the Nusantara capital project.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

Indonesia's president-elect set a distinctive tone by making visits to France, Serbia, Turkey and Russia.  Kevin and Erin examine some takeaways (more on the Kremlin call in the next pod.)  Meanwhile, President Widodo breaks in the Nusantara Palace and hosts influencers.  Also: the Asean foreign ministers' retreat in Laos and a grotesque verdict for a grotesque crime in Surabaya.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

Tell us what you think about the pod!The passing of the Communist Party's general secretary has the makings of a watershed for modern Vietnam - yet the public domain is distinctly unruffled.  To talk through the reactions and implications of the unfolding transition, we reach out to the writer and podcaster of Vietnam Weekly, Mike Tatarski.  Spoiler: unknowns abound.  And in Indonesia: Erin and Kevin consider a bevy of Prabowo-oriented appointments, the military's yen for business and the pitfalls of zoomorphic forms in palace architecture.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/To read about Vietnam Weekly, go here: https://vietnamweekly.substack.com/

Tell us what you think about the pod!In a special 1-hr interview, Reformasi Dispatch consults the Indonesian polling expert, Dr Seth Soderberg, on a new batch of survey findings for gubernatorial contests in five major provinces.  With contests taking place in over 570 regions simultaneously, the 27 November elections pose a momentous juncture for shaping Indonesia's political future.  With new data from Indikator Politik and Kompas, we examine the context and conditions for the jockeying and campaigning that lies ahead.  This includes prospects for Anies Baswedan, Ridwan Kamil, Bobby Nasution, Airin Diany and the firebrand upstart Basuki Purnama ('Ahok') -- along with some of the possible permutations of party alliances.  And finally: weighing the prospects for the president's younger son Kaesang Pangarep.

Tell us what you think about the pod!Curious circumstances surround June's hack of a national data center (PDNS II) and Nenden of Safenet, a premier CSO on online rights, joins the pod to help de-encrypt.  We discuss the safety protocols, the hackers' demands and where accountability lies.  Also: Erin and Kevin examine a momentous change at the top of the General Election Commission (KPU) and the implications for the president's younger son.  And finally: the president-elect's brother-in-law weighs in on building new capitals versus disbursing free lunches. For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

Tell us what you think about the pod!For a comprehensive overview of the dynamics unfolding in Myanmar, Erin and Kevin consult Apac Assistance analyst Ragyeshri Sudaroli, who underscores the imperative for expanding humanitarian assistance as violence displaces three million Myanmarese and counting.  On Indonesia, the pod examines the odd willingness of hackers to unlock ransomed government data - supposedly for free.  Also: a proposal for anti-dumping tariffs on consumer goods from China, Prabowo's leg surgery and the sinking of the Electoral Commission (KPU) to yet another new low.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

Tell us what you think about the pod!Thai politics and contingencies across its Myanmar border are among the topics discussed in our latest podcast with Kasit Piromya, a longstanding activist with ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) and a former foreign minister of Thailand.  Khun Kasit has also served as Thailand's ambassador to over half-a-dozen countries, including the US, Germany, Japan and Russia.  He provides an update on the search for political consensus in Thailand and the implications for Thailand's stance on the ongoing Myanmar crisis.  He anticipates scenarios and issues a call for Indonesia to heed.  Also in this episode: Erin and Kevin discuss the political divide in Manila, the election maneuvering in Jakarta, and a Prabowo media overture in America.Read Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.info

Tell us what you think about the pod!The health consequences of suspended particles in Jakarta's air -- and safeguards applicable indoors -- come under scrutiny in this episode's interview with Piotr Jakubowski of Nafas, a provider of indoor air-quality monitoring and purifying.  Piotr explains the terms, trends and dynamics of air pollution -- while disclosing the results of an air test done in a quintessentially smokey Senopati bar.  Also: Kevin and Erin delve into the workings of Jakarta's gubernatorial election, cases embroiling Megawati's top lieutenant and signs of complications arising in the Nusantara Capital (IKN) project.Read Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/For a free tril of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.info

The Reformasi Dispatch podcast delves into turbulence in Thai politics with the director of the Regional Centre for Human Rights Studies at Isan's Ubon Ratchathani University.  Amid charges against Thaksin, a move to dissolve Move Forward and hunger strikes by political prisoners, Titipon estimates what might lie ahead, proximately and longer term.  And in Indonesian politics, Erin and Kevin review cabinet rumors and new policies on halal import certification and coal-mining licenses for religious organizations - as well as how the president and president-elect still remain 'in sync'.Read Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

Imminent excavation to divert part of the Mekong through Cambodia has alarmed Vietnam.  Is this a Chinese‑supported stratagem to use water a geo-political leverage?  Also, Erin and Kevin discuss high-stakes political wrangling over shipping containers detained at Jakarta's Tanjung Priok port, and the rolling out of Wolbachia-treated Aedes Aegypti to combat dengue fever.  And finally, what Elon Musk can - and can not - offer Indonesia. Read Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

Indonesia's parliament has returned to session and a flurry of bills reveals plenty about the designs of the allied outgoing and incoming presidents.  Among them, a 4th bill on a key judicial entity.  Also: Erin and Kevin discuss Singapore's change of government and the tragic passing of a Thai hunger striker.Read Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

Reformasi Dispatch conferred with Angus Mackintosh, an independent research analyst from SmartKarma and CrossAsean, on how innovation is unfolding in Indonesia.  Despite low research levels and an uncertain investment climate, artificial intelligence (AI) can close skill gaps and thereby help unlock Indonesia's long‑latent potential.  Erin, Kevin and Angus consider examples of ventures leading the process, along with the US$1.7 billion AI investment plan of Microsoft -- which would include infrastructure as well as one-month AI training courses for 840,000 participants over four years.  However, will the next administration regard foreign artificial intelligence as just another form of foreign intelligence?Read Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

Prospects for foreign policy, domestic politics and democratization feature in our talk with the distinguished analyst and former advisor to President Habibie and Vice President Boediono, Professor Dewi Fortuna Anwar of the National Research and Innovation Agency (Brin). She extends the 'benefit of the doubt' -- or doubts -- but also highlights risks and concerns.  Also: Erin and Kevin discuss the latest, including a major investment pledge by Microsoft for AI tech, talk about expanding coordinating minister posts and the maneuvering ahead of major gubernatorial races in November.Read Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

To assess the post-election process and anticipate what lies ahead, The head of Michigan University's Center for Emerging Democracies joins Reformasi Dispatch to discuss his new article in the Journal of Democracy. Are expectations of "continuity" valid?  Is the electorate prepared for how President‑Elect Prabowo will govern?  Professor Slater also touches on trends in Hun Sen's Cambodia.  Also: Erin and Kevin discuss PDI‑P's reaction to the Constitutional Court's rejection of electoral disputes, and how the AGO's targeting of an alleged mafia kingpin could prove particularly portentous.Read Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

Medan 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.

Amid 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: reformasi.infoSubscribe to Erin's newsletterhttps://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

Indonesia'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.Support us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi

Reformasi 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 missing.  Also: Jeff and Kevin discuss the state of the formal censure proposal in parliament and the estimated seat breakdown for the next parliament and Jakarta assembly (DPRD).

Indonesia'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 getting Steven to unmute.Support us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi

A 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 Prabowo Subianto.  Also: Jeff and Kevin discuss Prabowo's Free Lunch program and its costs, along with a possible parliamentary process to censure the government for wayward handling of the election process.Support us on buymeacoffee.com/reformasi

Nickel 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 deployment of renewable energy.  Given the unmatched attributes of Indonesia's nickel resources and the imperative for transitioning to EV fleets worldwide, nickel‑industry externalities take on global significance.  Also: Jeff and Kevin discuss how the new parliament may shake out and what a limited cabinet reshuffle signals about post-election politics.To read Celios x CREA's report on nickel downstreaming industry, go to https://energyandcleanair.org/publication/debunking-the-value-added-myth-in-nickel-downstream-industry/If 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:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/reformasi/e/219468