Madewasraya Bali Ceremony: Reading the Cosmic Clock
In our previous article about the upcoming ceremony of Madewasraya centred on Pura Tuluk Biyu in Kintamani, we introduced the idea that in Balinese philosophy time isn’t something that just passes in a linear sense. In this article, we’re going to try and expand on that. If you’ve lived in Bali for long enough, you’ll […]
Indonesia 2045: Ambition Is No Longer the Problem. Execution Is
Every country has a vision. Walk into the planning ministries of almost any developing nation, and you will find ambitious blueprints and glossies detailing a prosperous future. Yet, history tells us that some countries write brilliant plans that never leave the pages of government reports, while others quietly turn those long-term goals into roads, factories, […]
Danantara, BUMN Reform, and Indonesia’s Next Chapter
Indonesia has never been shy about thinking big. From downstreaming nickel and minerals to creating sovereign investment vehicles and pushing strategic industries, the country has been steadily moving toward a stronger and more coordinated economic model. Some see this as intervention. Others see it as long-term nation building. The latest move comes through Presidential Instruction […]
Eighty-One Years On, A President Raises His Fist
Jakarta, August 14. Friday morning. Parliament sits. The cameras roll. Gibran listens from his seat beside the podium. Somewhere in the room, Jokowi watches the man who succeeded him deliver a speech neither of them could have written the same way. Prabowo Subianto stands before the MPR for the second time as president. Fist raised. […]
Why Prabowo Chose Purbaya: A New Fiscal Mind for Indonesia’s Next Growth Era
1. From Technocrat to Nation Builder Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa may not yet be a household name globally, but within Indonesia’s economic circles, he’s long been respected as a measured, data-driven, and nationally minded economist. With a background that blends engineering logic (ITB) and U.S.-trained economic insight (Purdue University), he brings both analytical precisionand global credibility […]
Why Many Still Doubt Prabowo — and Why He Still Has a Chance to Prove Them Wrong
Legacy, Shadows, and the Long Arc of Redemption Roots of a Legacy: The Djojohadikusumo Lineage To understand Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia’s current president and one of its most polarizing figures, one must first look backward — deep into the roots of his family’s history, where nationalism, intellect, and controversy have long intertwined. Prabowo is not just […]
#2 Inside Indonesia: A Nation Consolidating for the Future
Opening Note The past week reminds us that Indonesia’s process of consolidation is far from linear. Protests erupted nationwide, sparked by inequality and elite excess—and what began as outrage at parliamentary perks has morphed into a broader contest over who controls the state and whether centralized reforms are legitimate. In response, President Prabowo has moved […]
Prabowo Subianto: From General to President, the Rise of Indonesia’s New Strongman
Indonesia’s new president, Prabowo Subianto, is a man of controversy, resilience, and undeniable influence. From his powerful family background and tumultuous military career to his dramatic political comeback and current presidency, Prabowo’s journey mirrors Indonesia’s own complex evolution. His leadership is now reshaping the country in ways that could mark a new era — one […]
Bali’s Development Problems and How to Build a Constructive Investment Business
Introduction: A Spotlight on Bali In recent months, Bali has received increased global attention, particularly regarding expats—both tourists and investors. While a few incidents involving tourists have gone viral, this does not necessarily indicate a rise in actual cases. Rather, social media and online algorithms amplify these events, often for personal or political gain. Regardless […]
Bali’s Tourism Paradox: Are We Seeing Real Growth or Just More Visitors?
Bali is a stunning island with breathtaking nature, but more than anything, it’s the island’s rich culture and warm, gracious people that have enchanted visitors for over a century. But: While tourist numbers are undeniably up, the real economic value — the actual “money in the pocket” per tourist — may be declining, giving a misleading […]