new podcast: Indonesia's Defence Dilemma

As President Prabowo Subianto prepares to enter the presidency, the Indonesian military stands at a crucial juncture, navigating both traditional and emerging defence challenges. With Prabowo's extensive military background and his previous five years at the helm of the armed forces, this term is particularly poised to potentially reshape strategies around procurement, international agreements, and even the core tenets of the Indonesian military itself. This week, we delve into the evolving dynamics within the Indonesian military as it grapples with modernisation and regional security pressures, and examine the potential shifts and tough decisions likely to fall onto his desk during the next five years. So why is this term likely the most important for the military? What do Prabowo's purchases and policy shifts tell us about his future policies, and will Indonesia finally take its place as a significant military power within Southeast Asia? We ask our panel of experts:
 
Indonesia is a strategic gateway for Chinese oil from the Gulf, and Chinese exports to most of the world.
We must also look at Chinese developments in Indonesia - Both infrastructure and minerals.
The MRT, High speed rail, and toll roads have changed travel around the country, and all have been funded by China.
Finally, add Indonesia's move to dedollarisation (Note the new agreement with India and a push to non-western controlled debit cards - GPN)
Some in the west dislike this so, in my opinion, Indonesia has to run a fine balancing act between the two in an attempt to remain neutral.
That means taking as much from China as is advantageous to Indonesia, but trying to capture as much Western investment as possible.
In my opinion, and I stand open to correction, Indonesia must make itself so valuable to both sides, and leave both in a position where they think they can win the battle for influence, it would be unwise for either to destabilise this country.
 
Some in the west dislike this so, in my opinion, Indonesia has to run a fine balancing act between the two in an attempt to remain neutral.
The act of "balancing" is not in their toolbox imo ... let alone 'fine' balancing.
 
The MRT, High speed rail, and toll roads have changed travel around the country, and all have been funded by China.

I see your point although that‘s not really correct. The Japanese and South Koreans are also very involved in the projects mentioned. It’s a huge market here, after the very protective China and India you have a developing country with 270 million inhabitants where a president put the infrastructure projects on 1. Not strange all these countries want a piece of the pie.

The western world is not so worried about Indonesia’s ‘neutrality’. Sometimes there are some voices who are concerned about the lack of choosing sides in the Ukrainian conflict but that’s minimal. And on China, the ‘west’ has their own fish to fry: they need to decide what to do about the huge invasion / influx of Chinese electric cars and technology and its competitive position and the (possibility of) spying.

The modern silk route has nothing to do with Indonesia btw. China makes sure the access to the west via land and sea is available and they invest a lot in the distribution points on the way.
 
I see your point although that‘s not really correct. The Japanese and South Koreans are also very involved in the projects mentioned. It’s a huge market here, after the very protective China and India you have a developing country with 270 million inhabitants where a president put the infrastructure projects on 1. Not strange all these countries want a piece of the pie.

The western world is not so worried about Indonesia’s ‘neutrality’. Sometimes there are some voices who are concerned about the lack of choosing sides in the Ukrainian conflict but that’s minimal. And on China, the ‘west’ has their own fish to fry: they need to decide what to do about the huge invasion / influx of Chinese electric cars and technology and its competitive position and the (possibility of) spying.

The modern silk route has nothing to do with Indonesia btw. China makes sure the access to the west via land and sea is available and they invest a lot in the distribution points on the way.
I gather the UK is in there as well.
The western world is very concerned about Indonesia’s neutrality. Apart from the wish to control shipping in the Straits of Malacca, the west wants Indonesia's strategic minerals that China dominates at the moment.
I'm not 100% sure, but I suspect the NED tried/is trying to get rid of Prabowo in favour of a losing candidate.
If I was a member of the Indonesian press, I would be asking Anies some probing questions about his relationships with the IRI and USAID. I'd start with asking him why his visa application went to the CIA rather than just US immigration.

 
I gather the UK is in there as well.
The western world is very concerned about Indonesia’s neutrality. Apart from the wish to control shipping in the Straits of Malacca, the west wants Indonesia's strategic minerals that China dominates at the moment.
I'm not 100% sure, but I suspect the NED tried/is trying to get rid of Prabowo in favour of a losing candidate.
If I was a member of the Indonesian press, I would be asking Anies some probing questions about his relationships with the IRI and USAID. I'd start with asking him why his visa application went to the CIA rather than just US immigration.

That echoes the 1950's and early 60's.
BTW how do we know his visa application went to the agency?
 
That echoes the 1950's and early 60's.
BTW how do we know his visa application went to the agency?
Anis had Fulbright scholarship, that guarantees a smooth visa process each time.
 
It will have to be. China is pushing hard to get more and more, and the west is trying to push the Chinese away. Probowo has a job I wouldn't like
Taking Chinese money and having regular military drills with US army worked well for the Government of Indonesia till now.

Will see how this sitting on two chairs will workin the future.
 
If I was a member of the Indonesian press, I would be asking Anies some probing questions about his relationships with the IRI and USAID. I'd start with asking him why his visa application went to the CIA rather than just US immigration.

Ah, Visa applications would be handled by the US Embassy guided by US State Department Immigration regulations. If a Visa application would to go through any other agency, you wouldn't ever know that. That would be on a need to know document and unless you work for a select section of the Embassy or are one of select individuals in Immigration or the CIA, you wouldn't know anything. So I have to take it that you haven't a clue about what you post. Great way to lose all credibility.
 
Ah, Visa applications would be handled by the US Embassy guided by US State Department Immigration regulations. If a Visa application would to go through any other agency, you wouldn't ever know that. That would be on a need to know document and unless you work for a select section of the Embassy or are one of select individuals in Immigration or the CIA, you wouldn't know anything. So I have to take it that you haven't a clue about what you post. Great way to lose all credibility.

Screenshot_20240425_082847_Opera.jpg
 
Ah, Visa applications would be handled by the US Embassy guided by US State Department Immigration regulations. If a Visa application would to go through any other agency, you wouldn't ever know that. That would be on a need to know document and unless you work for a select section of the Embassy or are one of select individuals in Immigration or the CIA, you wouldn't know anything. So I have to take it that you haven't a clue about what you post. Great way to lose all credibility.
Perhaps, but the document says the CIA handled it. I suppose Wikileaks might have made it up, but that doesn't fit their record
 

Labor Party will bring up six demands in this protest. "First, annul Job Creation Act. Second, increase the 2024 minimum wage by 15%. Third, annul presidential threshold of 20% to 0%," said Said Iqbal.

Who would benefit from the above?

Who was involved with the unions? Google the unions and their people against the International republican institute
 
Now type in Anies and the following keywords:
International republican institute
USAID
Ambassador Blake
Ambassador Donovan
ANFREL
AmChan

Any one, or even several could be nothing, then you look at who is with the NED


Look at their bios, noting who they are working with. Then look at the list of people Anies was hanging with.

You get a couple of hits with the other candidates, but a good number with Anies.
I would like to see him answer some searching questions.
 
Perhaps, but the document says the CIA handled it. I suppose Wikileaks might have made it up, but that doesn't fit their record
It doesn't say the CIA handled it. Only they were listed as potential recipients.
 
  • Agree
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