Talking Indonesia

How did Indonesia, a place where wheat, the main ingredient of instant noodles, does not grow, become the second-largest consumer in the world and one of the top five exporters? Instant noodles are a familiar staple for many of us, whether enjoyed occasionally or kept on hand as a pantry essential. First developed after World War II, they have since become a fixture of modern ...

Abdil Mughis Mudhoffir - disorder and the preman state Indonesian modern history is littered with stories of shadowy figures, underworld groups, militia, and criminal gangs, commonly known as preman. For its co-option and adoption of the activities and characteristics of these groups, scholars described the New Order period of Suharto’s authoritarian regime as the ‘preman state...

Under the Prabowo Subianto government, the Indonesian military’s (Tentara Nasional Indonesia, TNI) long-cherished role in national economic development and governance has been vastly enhanced. The TNI seems to be everywhere. Active-duty officers now run ministries, head a state food company, and even manufacture medicine. Soldiers cook meals for Prabowo's flagship nutrition prog...