• Corruption in Indonesia: Suryadharma Ali Suspect in Hajj Pilgrimage Case

    The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) of Indonesia has named Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Suryadharma Ali (who is also Chairman of the Islamic political party PPP) a suspect in a graft case. Reportedly, Ali engaged in self-enrichment by deliberately mishandling state funds that were allocated for the hajj pilgrimage covering financial year 2012-2013. Funds allocated to the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca totaled over IDR 1 trillion (USD $87 million) in that year. KPK spokesman Johan Budi confirmed the case.

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  • Political Stability Needed in East Asia to Enhance Higher Economic Growth

    The start of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 will turn the ASEAN region into a strong economic block. However, the region should enhance political stability and foster economic justice. These are the two basic conclusions drawn in the World Economic Forum on East Asia in Manila (the Philippines) on Thursday (22/05). This forum is a meeting place for state leaders, global businesses, politicians as well as scholars. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was one of the attendees.

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  • Jakarta's Infrastructure Development Makes Property Investment Lucrative

    Colliers International, a leading global commercial real estate firm, expects West and South Jakarta to become promising locations for the development of high-rise (office) buildings. Associate Director for Research at Colliers International Ferry Salanto explained that Jakarta's infrastructure development plans - in particular new road construction - are the main reason why prospects of property development have become more promising in the Kebon Jeruk (West Jakarta) and T.B. Simatupang (South Jakarta) areas.

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  • What is on the Political Agenda of Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto?

    With the presidential election of Indonesia (scheduled for 9 July) becoming a battle between Governor of Jakarta Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, and former army general and Suharto crony Prabowo Subianto, it is worth taking a closer look into the ideas and policies that both candidates would like to implement if elected as the next Indonesian president, as well as their stance on specific economic issues. The viewpoints that are mentioned below are based on the documents that both parties provided to the General Election Commission.

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