Hello reader,

I hope it goes without saying that religious preachers know to hold themselves to the highest moral standards. And not, say, belittle someone less fortunate than them.

Today’s highlight is on Gus Miftah, who is being cancelled in Indonesia for insulting an iced drinks seller. The fallout has been huge from him, which has included a reprimand from President Prabowo himself.

Head on over to the bottom section for more on that story.

Cheers,

Andra

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Law/Politics

• The Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Seoul has urged citizens to exercise caution after President Yuun Suk Yeol plunged the country into political chaos. The president yesterday suddenly declared martial law before immediately withdrawing it, and now faces an impeachment motion in parliament. KBRI Seoul urged Indonesians in South Korea not to partake in any political protests during this period of turmoil.

• The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has called for reforms within Indonesia’s law enforcement following allegations of police interference in the 2024 regional elections (Pilkada). PDI-P pointed to specific instances of law enforcement pressuring regional leaders to back certain candidates in the Banten and North Sumatra gubernatorial races. PDI-P notably also lost in its traditional stronghold of Central Java, where former police general Ahmad Luthfi has all but secured the gubernatorial seat over the PDI-P-backed former military general Andika Perkasa.

• The General Elections Commission (KPU) reported a national voter turnout of only 68% in the 2024 Pilkada. That is significantly below the average national voter turnout of 76% in the 2020 Pilkada, and far below the 81% turnout for the 2024 presidential election in February. Analysts pointed to possible voter burnout this year as the main reason behind the drop.

• PDI-P has finally explicitly stated that former President Joko Widodo is no longer part of the party. PDI-P Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto today confirmed that Jokowi and his family are out as they are no longer aligned with the party’s ideals. Jokowi, who rose to prominence with PDI-P, fell out with the party after he switched allegiances in the 2024 presidential election.

Business/Economy

• After a series of back-and-forth, Indonesian officials said Apple is ready to increase its planned investment in Indonesia to US$1 billion in order to lift the country’s ban on iPhone 16 sales. Apple previously offered a US$100 million investment in the country to reverse the ban, which was ridiculed by Indonesian officials. Other than meeting local content requirements for the latest iPhone, Indonesia wants Apple to build research and development facilities in the country.

• The Ministry of Public Works has requested an additional IDR 60.6 trillion to carry out major projects in 2025, including Nusantara and Papua. IDR 14.87 trillion of that will be allocated to expedite existing construction works in the new capital city. The ministry has so far been allocated a budget of IDR 110.9 trillion for 2025.

• PLN, Indonesia’s state-owned electricity company, has stated that any plan to retire coal-fired power plants early will incur significant expenses, including the construction of renewable energy sources. The company estimates that retiring a single plant requires between IDR 30 trillion and IDR 50 trillion, which reflects the challenges of balancing environmental commitments with economic realities.

• President Prabowo Subianto cautioned small investors against trading in the stock market, claiming that the system disproportionately favors large players. The president made the statement during a keynote at an event hosted by the Islamic organization Muhammadiyah, likening retail investments to gambling. 

Everything Else

• Gus Miftah, an Islamic figure who was recently appointed as President Prabowo’s special envoy for religious harmony, is being cancelled for calling an iced drinks seller “goblok” (an idiot) at a recent religious gathering. Following public outrage, he issued an apology but maintained his comments were misunderstood, claiming they were said in jest. Nevertheless, the Presidential Palace has reportedly issued a reprimand to Gus Miftah over his offensive comments, while Prabowo’s Gerindra Party condemned the cleric, stating that his actions do not align with the president’s values.