Indonesia in 2021: In the Eye of the Storm

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

In 2021 Indonesia became the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic as a devastating wave of infections engulfed the country, fuelled by a mix of data denial and governance dysfunction. The Delta-wave caused a health system collapse and public trust in President Jokowi’s ability to manage the pandemic declined. With an eye on the 2024 elections, political parties used the pandemic to score points with their constituents by distributing government-bought vaccines to their supporters. In the middle of the raging health crisis, the Indonesian Parliament passed a new Special Autonomy Law for Papua that transfers key fiscal and political powers back to Jakarta, effectively ending Papuans’ ability to govern themselves. The Indonesian economy is finally showing signs of recovery on the back of a global commodities boom and strong domestic demand. Timely expansion of the social assistance program also mitigated poverty impact of the Delta-wave. But as the pandemic drags on, critical uncertainties loom ahead.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSoutheast Asian Affairs 2022
EditorsDaljit Singh, Thi Ha Hoang
Place of PublicationSingapore
PublisherISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute Singapore
Pages139–161
ISBN (Electronic)9789815011036 , 9789815011043
ISBN (Print)9789815011029
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameSoutheast Asian Affairs
PublisherISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Number49
ISSN (Print)0377-5437

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