Indonesia’s new criminal code harks back not only to Soeharto’s New Order era, but also to the 17th century colonial period. State paternalism in the form of authoritarianism is back and in full swing in the country.
This article reviews how the Indonesian electoral system and political funding scheme create a condition where only individuals with significant economic capital could participate in politics. The oligarchs, whose interests collide with Indonesia’s agenda of environmental protection, are a force to reckon with in the run up to Pemilihan Umum 2024 (the 2024 General Election – Pemilu).