Beyond the Mekong | Politics | Southeast Asia

Unpacking Indonesia With Marcus Tantau

The country is currently beset by wildfires, political ructions, and intensifying economic troubles.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (center) salutes during a parade marking Bhayangkara Day, the anniversary of the founding of the Indonesian National Police, in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, July 1, 2026.

Marcus Tantau is a senior associate at Templeton Research with a focus on Indonesia, which is beset by El Nino-fueled wildfires, political ructions amid a cabinet reshuffle, and confusing signals over the economy.

This month’s reshuffle was the biggest since President Prabowo Subianto took power two years ago and Tantau says the Indonesian leader is clearly focused on shoring-up support ahead the next election, which is not due until 2029.

The reshuffle also sidelined supporters of former president Joko Widodo, who helped Prabowo win the vote in 2024. It came amid intense speculation regarding the state of the country’s finances and its efforts to........

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