Tenggara Backgrounder May 31

Respite paves way for legal settlement and political deal

Overview - Behind closed doors, efforts are underway to bring President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and presidential challenger Prabowo Subianto to meet and hammer out a deal. A satisfactory “out of court settlement” is crucial to encourage Prabowo to accept defeat.

Internet access stifled following May 22 riot

Overview - When the riots erupted in Jakarta last week, the government decided to limit public access to several messaging apps and social media platforms to curb the spread of false news. The stiff measure, however, was prone to abuse.

New House composition: Something old, something new

Overview - The official results of the 2019 legislative election indicate substantial changes to the House of Representatives’ composition for the next period. Many have enthusiastically welcomed the new composition of the House. The reality, however, may not live up to public expectation as political kinship still colors the House.

Business player to grace Jokowi’s new cabinet

Overview - Speculation about the chairman of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI), Bahlil Lahadalia, joining the new cabinet of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has circulated after the President himself tipped the young businessman as a potential ministerial candidate.

Bakrie back in business

Overview - PT Bakrie & Brothers (BNBR) appointed Anindya Novyan “Anin” Bakrie as the new chief executive officer (CEO) and his brother Anindra Ardiansyah “Ardi” Bakrie as the new deputy CEO, marking not only a generational transfer to the family’s third generation but also successful debt restructuring.

Garuda Indonesia likely to be penalized over financial report fiasco

Overview - Anomalies around the 2018 financial report of Indonesian flag carrier Garuda Indonesia have been reviewed and the results seem to indicate that Garuda had made a mistake in recording its receivables from its business partner PT Mahata Aero Teknologi as revenue.

Issue update: Govt, Inpex agree on Masela project

Overview - The Indonesian government and Japanese oil company Inpex Corp have agreed on a plan of development (POD) for the gas-rich Masela Block in the Arafura Sea during their meeting in Tokyo on Monday. This agreement will likely end uncertainties over the development of the Masela project.