Jakarta – Raids on leftist books discussing communism and the banned Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) have started again.

Ade Tri – The presidential and legislative elections are over and the noise of the strident sound of the “festival of democracy” is no longer to be heard.

Jakarta – National Movement to Safeguard the Ulama Fatwa (GNPF) leader Yusuf Muhammad Martak has said that they plan to hold the 4th Ijtimak Ulama meeting of ulama (Islamic clerics) and national figures soon.

Jakarta – President elect President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo appeared dashing and bold as he addressed the issue of investment in his Indonesia Vision speech in Sentul, West Java, on Sunday July 14. He said he would “stand by and defend” investors and claimed he will pursue and soundly thrash anyone who obstructs investment.

Jakarta – President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s first speech as president elect for the period 2019-2024 contained several words which were seen as tough. The potential for authoritarianism in the next administration was also apparent in his speech titled Indonesia Vision.

Jakarta – Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab’s name has again come into the public spotlight in the midst of a planned political reconciliation following the 2019 presidential elections.

As the 2014-2019 term was coming to an end, the House of Representatives (DPR) were persistently trying to pass through a variety of draft legal revisions.

The government must review regional regulations on zonal planning for coastal areas and small islands in various parts of the country which have resulted in the forced eviction of local communities.

These regional regulations have detached fisherpeople, salt farmers and other community groups from their source of livelihood.

Jakarta – The Indonesian police plan to conduct cyber patrols of WhatsApp groups. The patrols will be done by means of investigating information on hoaxes being spread through WhatsApp groups based on complaints from the public.

Jakarta – Coordinating Minister for Security, Politics and Legal Affairs (Kemenko Polhukam) Wiranto plans to form a national legal team to monitor statements, ideas and actions by national figures about the government and the president.

Jakarta – Election Campaign Team (BPN) Communication and Media Director Hashim Djojohadikusumo has spoken about the agreement between the Justice and Prosperity Party (PKS) and the National Mandate Party (PAN) on the allocation of ministerial seats if presidential hopeful Prabowo Subianto and vice presidential running mate Sandiaga Uno win the 2

Jakarta – Scores of people have been arrested and convicted using the “rubber” (catchall) articles in the Information and Electronic Transaction Law (UU ITE) as a result of a rise in criticism against the government.

Jay Akbar – Two politicians have recently joined the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the presidential campaign ticket of incumbent President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and vice presidential running mate Ma’ruf Amin: Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama alias BTP and Muchdi Purwoprandjono, who is better known as Muchdi PR.

Rio Apinino – Incumbent presidential candidate President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and running mate Ma’ruf Amin’s have indeed made many sweet promises about protecting and upholding human rights (HAM).

Dieqy Hasbi Widhana – National Press Day, which falls on February 9, is a day to remember the murder of Radar Bali journalists Anak Agung Gede Prabangsa in 2009.

Jakarta – The planned release of Abu Bakar Bashir has turned into a polemic with the government still vacillating about whether or not to release the leader of the Indonesian Mujahidin Council (MMI).

Jakarta – In the lead up to New Years Eve this year, a number of regional governments issued appeals warning the public not to be excessive in celebrating the New Year or to do so without fireworks or holding parties.

Budiarti Utami Putri, Jakarta – Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) chairperson Grace Natalie has been reported to the national police headquarters criminal investigation bureau (Bareskrim Mabes Polri) for alleged blasphemy against religion.

Jakarta – Since the presidential election campaign began two months ago, presidential hopefuls incumbent President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and challenger Prabowo Subianto have yet to offer a substantial vision or program to the public. Both camps have instead largely focused on debating sensational issues.

Jakarta – Greater Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) chairperson and presidential hopeful Prabowo Subianto has openly expressed his wish that Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) “Great Leader” Rizieq Shihab return to Indonesia before the 2019 presidential election (Pilpres).