
Reformasi Dispatch
Independent and lucid analysis of Indonesian politics, policymaking, justice, and economics featuring Kevin O’Rourke and Erin Cook. The podcasts incorporate exclusive interviews with experts and draws on content from the Reformasi Weekly reports, produced for subscribers since 2003.
Episode
Episode 202 (with Dédé Oetomo)
In this special Pride month episode of Reformasi Dispatch, Kevin and Erin talk to legendary LGBTQ activist Dédé Oetomo to talk about his activism work, the recent rise of homophobic attacks and his words for future activists.Watch the video version on our YouTube: https://youtu.be/m4Qqz61WI4kIt takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services,
Episode 201
The students are back! And so is Reformasi Dispatch co-founder Jeff Hutton, who rejoins Erin and Kevin after his academic sojourn. He shares his impressions of Indonesia's latest generation of campus youth -- their views, changes over time, and the pressures they face. Plus, insights on the Jakarta protests that producer Steven Handoko covered up close in person. And finally: a look at th
Episode 200
After a precipitous drop in both the rupiah and the Indonesian Stock Index, Kevin and Erin round up the assorted moves implemented by the government to bolster confidence and restore stability (spoiler: there were none). Next, do a sudden spate of arrests denote rifts between rival elements of the security forces? And what do the contents of suspects' garages tell us? Finally, the Palace r
Season 6 Episode 14
As the rupiah continues to slide, the government is exacerbating business sentiment by imposing an export marketing board for palm oil, coal and ferroalloys. Kevin and Erin discuss the background, implications, and outlook in the latest edition of the Reformasi Dispatch podcast on Indonesian politics and policymaking. Also in this episode: a fourth presidential visit to Paris; the Army's Pe
Season 6 Episode 13
Manila awaits the fate of the Dutertes. Prabowo makes an impression in Cebu for Asean's Summit, militarily and sartorially. Amien Rais's claims of an "offside" relationship between Prabowo and Teddy sparks a backlash. The Police Reform Commission wraps up just as unrest affects Jayapura. And the Rupiah slides to a new low, posing a quandary for the president and focusing atten
Season 6 Episode 12
Indonesian politics this week featured mini-reshuffle of three cabinet & cabinet-level posts -- Kevin and Erin discuss the motives, consequences and who gained an advantage (spoiler: the Army). Also: a rail disaster, the start of the trial of Andrie Yunus's attackers and uproar over Lt Col Teddy eating cake. Also: a long-awaited trade reform package finally receives some discussion.It t
Season 6 Episode 11 (with Wahyu Dyatmika)
Amid pressure on the freedom of expression in Indonesia, Reformasi Dispatch examines the dynamics with Wahyu Dyatmika, a director of the Tempo Media Group. Wahyu joins the pod to discuss attitudes in civil society and the media in the wake of the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, including whether self-censorship is becoming more prevalent in the media. Wahyu, Erin and Kevin also discuss institutiona
Season 6 Episode 10
An interruption in shipments of LPG, the ubiquitous cooking fuel in Indonesia, will likely cause shortages soon, with consequences for the image of the administration. And to safeguard petrol and diesel, Indonesia is moving towards rationing and even greater use of biodiesel. Meanwhile, Tempo has produced revelations about how the acid attack on Andrie Yunus unfolded -- with signs of an institut
Season 6 Episode 9
In this week's episode of the Reformasi Dispatch podcast on Indonesia - with an energy crunch looming, will the government hike fuel prices or ration subsidized petrol?Will LPG supplies hold out? And will discomforts prove particularly awkward politically, given Prabowo's membership on the Board of Peace?Also: How energy shortages are manifesting in regional neighbours. In policy develop
Season 6 Episode 8
A military critic from the human rights group Kontras suffered a harrowing attack with acid that burned him badly. What does this portend for expression? In turn, police examined over 80 CCTV cameras and identified the suspected perpetrators - officers from military intelligence. Does this reflect rivalries between elements of the state apparatus? Also: How ASEAN states are reacting and adapting t
Season 6 Episode 7
President Prabowo reacts to the US-Israel invasion of Iran -- offer to mediate, assembles luminaries including former presidents, and then sets 'ready alert' (siaga satu) status for the military. An array of groups and figures speak out against Prabowo's alignment with the US in the Board of Peace and concessions in the Recriprocal Trade Agreement. Likelihood of a prolonged confli
Season 6 Episode 6
This week in Indonesia - Erin & Kevin examine Indonesia's reciprocal trade agreement (ART) with the US; a slander case brewing against the popular satirist Pandji Pragiwaksono; and, further afield, Thailand's election and the growing popularity in the Philippines of VP Sarah Duterte.It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording serv
Season 6 Episode 5 (with Iqbal Kholidin of Perludem)
Electoral changes and a possible move to amend the Constitution are topics that Iqbal Kholidin of the Center for Democracy (Perludem) discusses in this week's edition of the Reformasi Dispatch podcast on Indonesian politics. Erin and Kevin also discuss the stock market sell-off, the abrupt resignation of the chief financial regulator Mahendra Siregar, and the president's cancellation of
Season 6 Episode 4 (with Uday Bakhshi)
To examine Thailand's upcoming election, Uday Bakhshi of Apac Assistance joins the Reformasi Dispatch podcast and outlines the players, prospects and scenarios -- including the 8 February referendum on yet another Constitution. Also: Myanmar conducts a sham election; Indonesia joins Trump's Board of Peace -- generating backlash; rumors abound of an imminent change in the foreign affairs
Season 6 Episode 3 (with Brandon Possin)
Kevin and Erin talk to former US diplomat Brandon Possin on Trump's invasion of Venezuela and what to expect of the administration. Also: Stand up comic and government critic Pandji Pragiwaksono could face a blasphemy charge for his Netflix special Mens Rea after he was reported by a youth group. And Thomas Djiwandono, the President's nephew is named as a candidate for Deputy Governor
Season 6 Episode 2 (with Iskandarsyah Bakri)
Joining the pod is Isanksarsyah Bakri, senior advisor to the Aceh governor, for a discussion of the livelihoods crisis facing the province after the 23 November Senyar Cyclone devastated half of Aceh's districts. Also: Erin and Kevin look at the Information Ministry's ban of the Grok AI nudify function on Elon Musk's X; Prabowo's travel plans; and Megawati's emphatic denu
Season 6 Episode 1 (with Burhanuddin Muhtadi and Maria Monica Wihardja)
Burhanuddin Muhtadi of the polling firm Indikator politik, together with Monica Wihardja of ISEAS, join the pod to discuss their empirical analysis of disinformation mesaging in the 2024 Presidential contest. Spoiler: Beware of TikTok. Pak Burhan also comments on Presidential support ratings. Also; Kevin and Erin discuss disaster relief, a regional head election bill and KPK scrutiny of Ridwan Kam
Season 5 Episode 40 (with Dr. Chris Chaplin)
Dr Chris Chaplin joins the pod to discuss the latest in politics, and the background to his new analytical endeavor, www.cearta.co. Also: police appointments, electoral law revisions and international cyclone aid.It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of
Season 5 Episode 39 (with Garda Ramadhito)
Kevin and Erin talk with researcher Garda Ramadhito on Prabowo's Palestine peace-keeping plans and political Islam in his term. Also, the political and environmental reckoning in Sumatra's devastating flooding and the KPK takes a look at its own handling of a case involving Bobby Nasution.It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording se
Season 5 Episode 38
A week of superlatives for Indonesia - the tragic Senyar cyclone is the largest on record to hit Indonesia; a tax bribery case is affecting a key owner of the most profitable bank, BCA; a leadership struggle has incapacitated the largest Islamic organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), at a time when Indonesia prepares for its largest-ever deployment of peacekeepers to Gaza; and Danantara seeks a role
Season 5 Episode 37 (with Matt Busch)
Kevin talks to Matt Busch on his new book "The Contested State: The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency during the Asian Financial Crisis."It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on b
Season 5 Episode 36
Joining the pod is Dr Seth Soderborg to discuss polling trends in Indonesia. Also discussed: Soeharto's annointment as hero, the outlook for the new Police Reform Commission, improved BI foreign reserves, an Australian Defence Treaty and a bombing by a youth at a school in Kelapa Gading.It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services
Season 5 Episode 35
In this episode: plans for bestowing hero status on Soeharto, exonerating parliamentarians for August excesses, the president's message to police, and Myanmar's junta poses for polls.It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch po
Season 5 Episode 34
In this episode: the Golkar chair seeks criminal defamation charges for social-media users who distribute disagreeable memes; Prabowo proffers Gaza engagement, but with political pitfalls - as seen at Asean's summit attended by Trump; and Sjafrie seriously considers a purchase of yet more fighter jets, from China.It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting
Acid Reign - Season 5 Episode 33 (with Krista Shennum)
Our pod guest Krista Shennum from Climate Rights International discussed CRI's extensive field research on nickel sector impacts on communities across a swathe of Eastern Indonesia -- from pollution such as acid rain, health adversities such as skin afflictions, disasters such as dam breaks and disputes over land rights and compensation. An interviewee asked, 'Does anyone care?', w
Season 5 Episode 32
This week: Prabowo and Widodo together again; signs of sensitivity on free lunches; the new finance minister makes a rocky start; and the Al-Khoziny disaster in Sidoarjo.It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You c
Season 5 Episode 31
This week: Prabowo's address to the UN General Assembly and the signing of trade agreements (CEPAs) with both Canada and the EU. Prabowo's signature program, free school lunches, faces criticism with almost 6,000 children having suffered food poisoning. Almost 1,000 people remain in custody for the August demonstrations and riots. And radioactive Cesium-137 turned up in tons of exporte
Season 5 Episode 30
In this episode: A new finance minister, a cabinet reshuffle, the Nation's Conscience Movement, Thaksin detained, Anti-elite movements from Kathmandu to Manila, deadly floods in Bali and Freeport workers trappedFor a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.info Read Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.substack.com/It takes a lot of money to run a p
Season 5 Episode 29 (with Ian Wilson)
Joining us to consider recent developments -- namely, unrest, economic frustrations and democratic hopes -- is Prof Ian Wilson, principal fellow of the Indo-Pacific Research Centre at Murdoch University.Read Ian Wilson's article here: https://indonesiaatmelbourne.unimelb.edu.au/who-speaks-for-the-riot-youth-agency-and-the-contest-over-protest-narratives/ It takes a lot of money to run a podca
Season 5 Episode 28: Update on Protest in Indonesia
'Let them eat kue!' Kevin and Erin update the escalation of protests over the weekend throughout Indonesia, surrounding the death of 21-year-old delivery-bike driver Affan Kurniawan, crushed by an armored police vehicle. The ensuing frenzy witnessed the looting of houses of several parliamentarians as well as that of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati (she was away). Who is the orc
Season 5 Episode 27
This week, protests Monday set the scene for a chaotic week. Elsewhere, Immanuel Ebenezer's arrest marks the first cabinet alleged corruption case and a new addition to the Constitutional Court shores up government support on the bench. Please note this podcast was recorded Thursday afternoon Jakarta time and there will be more to come.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi
Season 5 Episode 26
Prabowo celebrated Indonesia"s 80th anniversary of Independence at the Palace. Residents of Pati protested against their district chief, backed by a nationwide online campaign. And Setya Novanto, disgraced former Speaker of the House who was sentenced to 15 years in prison, won release.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mul
Season 5 Episode 25
Better than expected GDP data shows resilience in the economy, but is not without controversy. Also: startling personnel changes in Gerindra and a state bank, and a plan for aiding Gazans.It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcas
Season 5 Episode 24
This week - the patronage politics of pardon power plays; a test to freedom of expression from cartoon pirates; funding cooperatives from the accumulated deficit-financing surplus (Sal); and a listener's question on good sources for analysis of the ASEAN-wide political economy.It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor&a
Season 5 Episode 23
Tensions erupted along the Thai-Cambodia border as five days of skirmishing caused 32 deaths. Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia sat down with the Thai and Cambodian PMs; ASEAN centrality shone as he brokered a ceasefire. The next day he visited Prabowo and addressed the ASEAN Secretariat.Prabowo gives an hour-long speech at PSI, talking about elephants; the new PSI logo, his commitment to elephant conserv
Season 5 Episode 22
Prabowo went to Brussels to meet with Ursula Von der Leyen to finalize the long awaited Indonesia-EU CEPA. Trump announced 19% tariff announcement on Truth Social. Tom Lembong was sentenced to 4 and a half years, a loud political statement on what dissent will cost and a warning for other Ministers not to cross Prabowo.
Season 5 Episode 21
This week: we discuss a Java-Bali ferry disaster, Gibran's new assignment, Prabowo's Brics Summit, Trump's revised tariff threat and, not least - aura farming.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.substack.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hostin
Season 5 Episode 20
Paetongtarn is out, an Indonesian influencer is arrested and sentenced to 7 years in Myanmar's Insein prison, a new Constitutional Court decision on election scheduling is causing a stir.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.substack.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscripti
Season 5 Episode 19 (With Dr. Rien Dam)
In this interview with Dr. Rien Dam, an expert on water and land management, Kevin talks about the long-discussed plan of North Jakarta sea wall program.It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us o
Season 5 Episode 18
Prabowo snubs G7 invitation and heads for St. Petersburg to meet Putin. Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement coming to a conclusion. A spotlight on nickel mining island in Raja Ampat islands. A dispute between Aceh and North Sumatra regarding the status of four islands. Fadli Zon's insistent on denying rapes happening in 1998 riots showed willingness from Government to ch
Season 5 Episode 17
A tension brewed up albeit briefly between Thailand and Cambodia after Thai forces kill a Cambodian soldier. A group of retired soldiers continue to push for Gibran's impeachment, an allegation towards Education Ministry's tender can put Former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim in a crosshairIt takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording
Season 5 Episode 16 (with Glenn Hurowitz)
Kevin talks to Glenn Hurowitz of Mighty Earth on Food estate program in Papua. Also, French President Emmanuel Macron pays a visit to the Palace and Borobudur. Police arrested 93 Trisaksti students on the day of remembrance of Reformasi. Ojek drivers held a demonstration responding to the talks of merger between Grab and Gojek.Visit Mighty Earth on mightyearth.orgFor a free trial of Reformasi news
Season 5 Episode 15 (with Alon Aviram)
Kevin and Erin talk to Alon Aviram of Gecko Project on his collaborative investigative reporting regarding Chromium-6 exposure in waters of Obi Island as a result of Harita's nickel expansion. Also, PM Albanese visits Indonesia a day after his second inauguration.Read Gecko Project's investigation here: https://thegeckoproject.org/articles/clean-cars-poisoned-water/For a free trial of Re
Season 5 Episode 14
Policies of consigning youths deemed problematic to military barracks caused a controversy and an ITB student who made an ai-generative image of Jokowi and Prabowo kissing was arrested with ITE law. For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subs
Season 5 Episode 13 (with Kirsten Han)
As Singaporeans go to the polls, Kevin and Erin talk to Kirsten Han of We The Citizen and Mekong Review on the country's 9-day campaign. Also, Jokowi's visit to the Vatican and later to police HQ to file defamation charges against those who call his diploma a forgery. And a formidable group of military retirees call for impeaching the VP.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to r
Season 5 Episode 12 (with Angus Mackintosh)
Kevin and Erin talk to Angus Mackintosh of CrossASEAN research on the recent stock market dynamics and outlook. Also a report on Russian airbase in Biak became a hot topic for the Australian election. And Widodo received visitors while an Indonesian delegation starts tariff negotiations.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut he
Season 5 Episode 11 (with Ristian Atriandi)
Ristian Atriandi of ANU joins Kevin and Erin to discuss TNI Law. Also, Prabowo finally meets Mega, response to Trump tariffs and its delay.It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buymeacoffee
Season 5 Episode 10
A 7.7 Richter scale earthquake devastates Myanmar, Thanksin Shinawatra joins the board of Danantara, Indonesia braces for a new set of reciprocal tariffs from Trump, and protests against TNI law continues in several cities. For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run
Season 5 Episode 9 (with Fabby Tumiwa)
Kevin and Erin spoke to Fabby Tumiwa of IESR on renewable energy. Also: the new military law, IHSG plunges, and Tempo received threats.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor&apos
Season 5 Episode 8 (with Jonathan Head)
Jonathan Head of the BBC joins the pod to discuss Myanmar's scam centerFor a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed liste
Season 5 Episode 7 (with Wahyu Dyatmika)
Erin and Kevin catch up with Wahyu Dyatmika to talk about Prabowo's approach to media, especially after Prabowo's meeting with editor in chiefs in Hambalang on Saturday. Also: Corruption case in Pertamina involving son of Riza Chalid, and Thailand sends Uyghurs back to China after leaving them in immigration detention for a decade.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi
Season 5 Episode 6
Student led protests erupt in several cities in Indonesia. Prabowo announced a new round of budget cuts for Danantara. A punk rock duo Sukatani was forced to make an apology video after their song on Police graft went viral. It ironically became the anthem of the protest on Friday. And Hasto Kristiyanto, Secretary General of PDI-P was arrested.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reform
Season 5 Episode 5 (with Jon Lindborg)
Jon Lindborg, a veteran in development, discusses the impact of the USAID freeze on Indonesia. Also: budget cutbacks and an arrest in the Finance Ministry.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording
Season 5 Episode 4
Indikator Politik's polling corroborates earlier Kompas polling on President's popularity but the majority is against his discourse on changing electoral system. Also: A snaking queue for 3 kg LPG canister after a new policy, Elon Musk's policy of downsizing the US Government starts to take shape after halting funding for USAID, and DHE policy is enacted for March after prabowo&apos
Season 5 Episode 3 (with Seth Soderborg)
Kevin and Erin talk to Seth about new Litbang Kompas polling regarding Prabowo's sky-high approval rating. Also, sea fences north of Jakarta caused blame game in the government. For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/You can support us on: buymeacoffee.com/reformasiIt takes a lot of mone
Season 5 Episode 2 (With Usman Hamid)
Usman Hamid of Amnesty International Indonesia joins Kevin and Erin to discuss about systemic problems in the police force, human rights violations in Papua, Prabowo's Ministers' denial of past gross human rights vioaltions and deteriorating state of democracy.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darim
Season 5 Episode 1 (with David Mathieson)
Myanmar's Deterioration and interview with David Mathieson. Also: launch of lunches (sans Prabowo). Hasto named suspect and VAT hike cancelled.It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor's salary and music licensing. Luckily, you, estemeed listeners of Reformasi Dispatch podcast can help us.You can donate to us on buy
Season 4 Episode 42 (with Lauri Myllyvirta)
In this episode: 12% VAT confirmed for 2025, Jokowi's absence from Golkar's event and ouster from PDI-P. And a talk with Lauri Myllyvirta of CREA on Prabowo's ambitious energy transition plan.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/You can support us on: buymeacoffee.com/reforma
Season 4 Episode 41 (With Khoirunnisa Agustyati)
In this episode: a welcome volte-face on prisoner exchanges; another rise in fiscal-policy stakes; and a plan for expanding the Army. Also: Khoirunnisa Agustyati of Perludem discussed the regional-head elections and upcoming political-law revisions.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/You
Season 4 Episode 40 (With Bert Gochet)
In this episode: Verbal brawls in Manila escalate between Marcos and VP Duterte, preliminary results of Pilkada in Indonesia. Plus, an interview with the economic analyst Bert Gochet on the interactions between geopolitical uncertainties and Indonesia's approach to development.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here:
Season 4 Episode 39 (with Seth Soderborg)
In this episode: A special episode on the upcoming Pilkada (regional elections) with Seth Soderborg of SNS Analytics.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/You can support us on: buymeacoffee.com/reformasiIt takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio
Season 4 Episode 38 (with Ristian Atriandi)
In this episode: Interview with Ristian Atriandi Supriyanto of Universitas Indonesia on Indonesia and China's joint agreement regarding South China Sea. Also: New SMRC polling on Jakarta race, Prabowo's visit to US.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/Read Ristian's op-ed he
Season 4 Episode 37
Season 4 Episode 37: Prabowo's moves, US election impact, Labor Law, electoral reformsFor a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/You can support us on: buymeacoffee.com/reformasiIt takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services, editor
Season 4 Episode 36 (With Anindya Restuviani)
In this episode: Interview with Anindya Restuviani of Jakarta Feminist. Also: inauguration address, cabinet contours, arrest by AGO, BRICSmembership, new agencies. For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/You can support us on: buymeacoffee.com/reformasiIt takes a lot of money to run a podcast
Season 4 Episode 35 (with Herald Van Der Linde)
Interview with 'Majapahit' author Herald van der Linde - pluralism, commerce and justice in pre-modern Indonesia. Plus, a look at the likely new cabinet roster with some positive late-stage alterations.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/You can support us on: buymeacoffee.com/r
Season 4 Episode 34
In this episode: Asean Summit, Jakarta governor debate, investigation in South Kalimantan, fiscal deficit outlook, cabinet-roster prognostications.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording services,
Season 4 Episode 33 (With Rio Tuasikal)
This week: Erin Cook talks to Rio Tuasikal on his paper regarding media coverage of AI in Indonesia. Also, Regional-head races, ethanol production, cabinet formation and new legislative leadershipsRead Rio Tuasikal's research on media coverage of AI in Indonesia: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15u1m5c7V0mfx_i2Jip2g687-HIKMVbZu/viewFor a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.inf
Season 4 Episode 32 (With James Guild)
This week: Sri Mulyani speculation, Kiwi pilot released, cabinet rumors and sand exports. Also: Prof James Guild discusses the Widodo-era legacy of infrastructure development.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosti
Season 4 Episode 31
This week: the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin) takeover, Widodo's offspring under fire, and updates on the politics of regional-head elections.For a free trial of Reformasi newsletter, go to reformasi.infoRead Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/It takes a lot of money to run a podcast. You need subscription fees for hosting, audio recording s
The Indonesian Toggle for Democracy (with Wahyu Dhyatmika)
Following the profound setback to democratization from Golkar's takeover, constitutional justices undertook a spirited effort to restore competition to regional-head elections -- only for parliament to countermand the court a day later with a Regional Head Election Law revision. To examine the whiplash-like effects of events, we enlisted the veteran journalist Wahyu Dhyatmika of Tempo - the
Golkar In Subordination
President Widodo and Prabowo Subianto need no longer contend with restiveness from Indonesia's second-largest party: Golkar Chair Airlangga Hartarto sensationally resigned and his replacement will be the Widodo-Prabowo loyalist Bahlil Lahadahlia. Kevin and Erin discuss the implications for democratization (spoiler: not good) and, specifically, regional-head races (not good either). For Jakar
Empty Boxes, Now More than Ever
This week, Southeast Asia's politics witnessed the dissolution of Thailand's most popular party (again), and strides in Indonesia's regional‑head elections to thwart the administration's rivals -- in which case, ballots in November may literally feature empty boxes for voters' only alternative to a nominee of a hegemonic alliance. Also: Erin and Kevin discuss Sheikh Hasin
The French Connection: Prabowo's State Visit to Paris
Indonesia's president-elect set a distinctive tone by making visits to France, Serbia, Turkey and Russia. Kevin and Erin examine some takeaways (more on the Kremlin call in the next pod.) Meanwhile, President Widodo breaks in the Nusantara Palace and hosts influencers. Also: the Asean foreign ministers' retreat in Laos and a grotesque verdict for a grotesque crime in Surabaya.For a fr
Trong's Wake and Vietnam's Next Course (with Mike Tatarski)
The passing of the Communist Party's general secretary has the makings of a watershed for modern Vietnam - yet the public domain is distinctly unruffled. To talk through the reactions and implications of the unfolding transition, we reach out to the writer and podcaster of Vietnam Weekly, Mike Tatarski. Spoiler: unknowns abound. And in Indonesia: Erin and Kevin consider a bevy of Prabowo-o
Horses for Courses: Poll Data on Pole Positions in Indonesia's Upcoming Regional-Head Races (with Seth Soderberg)
In a special 1-hr interview, Reformasi Dispatch consults the Indonesian polling expert, Dr Seth Soderberg, on a new batch of survey findings for gubernatorial contests in five major provinces. With contests taking place in over 570 regions simultaneously, the 27 November elections pose a momentous juncture for shaping Indonesia's political future. With new data from Indikator Politik and Ko
Ransomware or Randomware? Indonesia's Bizarre National Data Hack (with Nenden Sekar Arum)
Curious circumstances surround June's hack of a national data center (PDNS II) and Nenden of Safenet, a premier CSO on online rights, joins the pod to help de-encrypt. We discuss the safety protocols, the hackers' demands and where accountability lies. Also: Erin and Kevin examine a momentous change at the top of the General Election Commission (KPU) and the implications for the presid
Myanmar's Myriad Crises (with Ragyeshri Sudaroli); Indonesia's Remorseful Hackers
For a comprehensive overview of the dynamics unfolding in Myanmar, Erin and Kevin consult Apac Assistance analyst Ragyeshri Sudaroli, who underscores the imperative for expanding humanitarian assistance as violence displaces three million Myanmarese and counting. On Indonesia, the pod examines the odd willingness of hackers to unlock ransomed government data - supposedly for free. Also: a propos
Myopia on Myanmar: How ASEAN Could Do More (with Kasit Piromya)
Thai politics and contingencies across its Myanmar border are among the topics discussed in our latest podcast with Kasit Piromya, a longstanding activist with ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) and a former foreign minister of Thailand. Khun Kasit has also served as Thailand's ambassador to over half-a-dozen countries, including the US, Germany, Japan and Russia. He provides an
Particulate Matter Matters: 'Sick Building' Syndrome in Jakarta (with Piotr Jakubowski)
The health consequences of suspended particles in Jakarta's air -- and safeguards applicable indoors -- come under scrutiny in this episode's interview with Piotr Jakubowski of Nafas, a provider of indoor air-quality monitoring and purifying. Piotr explains the terms, trends and dynamics of air pollution -- while disclosing the results of an air test done in a quintessentially smokey Se
Political Thai-nosaurs: Aversion to Move Forward in Thailand's Establishment (with Titipol Phakdeewanich)
The Reformasi Dispatch podcast delves into turbulence in Thai politics with the director of the Regional Centre for Human Rights Studies at Isan's Ubon Ratchathani University. Amid charges against Thaksin, a move to dissolve Move Forward and hunger strikes by political prisoners, Titipon estimates what might lie ahead, proximately and longer term. And in Indonesian politics, Erin and Kevin











