WIUI The People Edition 2
Welcome to WIUI The People 2nd Edition
A Note from the Editor-in-Chief
Hi Wuiboos,
Welcome back to WIUI The People. Thanks as always for your ongoing enthusiasm and support.
A quick note to explain something we haven't really explained before: why is the newsletter called 'WIUI The People'?
Well, the name is meant to be a parody of the famous line 'We the People', the opening words of the US Constitution. We chose this name with the hope that this newsletter can increase your knowledge on politics in Indonesia so that you too, like a constitution, can act to check and balance the power of the government.
With that being said, I hope Edition 2 is beneficial and interesting! Don't forget to keep communicating with us through the Pen Pal section!
Best regards,
Editor-in-Chief Hirzi, on behalf of the newsletter team Sharon, Michael, and Vincent.
2024 Election Campaign Period: To Shorten or Not to Shorten?
Source: Ezagren / Wikimedia Commons
The People’s Representative Council (DPR) Commission II and the General Election Commission (KPU) have just agreed to shorten the campaign period for the 2024 elections to 75 days.
This follows a period of division amongst Commission II, wherein some fractions (fraksi) wanted a campaign period of 75 days while others wanted 90 days. This is in contrast to the 202 days of campaigning in the 2019 Presidential Election.
According to KPU Commissioner Hasyim Asy’ari, President Joko Widodo agreed to a campaign period of 75 days, hoping that the election process will be more efficient and that long-term social issues caused by campaigning can be prevented.
One long-term social issue seemingly associated with the longer campaign period in 2019 was deep polarization between the two opposing sides (i.e. Jokowi supporters and Prabowo supporters).
During the 2019 campaign period, the issue of Islamic piety was frequently weaponised to create polarizing narratives about the other side (see our reading recommendation this week).
However, some are concerned that the campaign period will be too short if reduced to 75 days or fewer. A particular concern is regarding the logistics of printing and distributing ballots.
Another concern was expressed by Democratic Party Spokesman Herzaky Mahendra Putra who conveyed that people might not have enough time to understand the goals, vision, and mission of the presidential candidates.
This is but the latest in a long series of recent news surrounding the 2024 elections. There have been previous controversies about a potential delay of the 2024 election in order to gain a longer term in office. However, this idea has been dismissed by the President himself.
Knowing that there are different ideas on the effects of campaigning and whether a shorter time period can reduce polarization and other social issues, what do you think is the best decision? Share your thoughts with us in the Pen Pal section!
What Is Up, Indonesia?
Politics + International Relations
Ridwan Kamil Accepts Son's Death: In a tragic turn of events, West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil and his wife have declared that they believe their son has passed away after going missing following a swim in the Aaree River in Bern, Switzerland.
New Australian Prime Minister Visits Indonesia: New PM of Australia Anthony Albanese meets President Joko Widodo in his first official bilateral visit after his election two weeks ago in a move that is thought to mark a new era of Indonesia-Australia relations.
Economics + Business
Indonesia’s Sports Tourism Potentially Hits Rp 18 Trillion: Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno, highlights the potential of reaching Rp 18 trillion with various sports from golf, triathlon, and more.
Government Allows WFO 100%: After 2 years of working from home, the government has officially stated that companies are allowed to let their employees fully work from the office, as COVID-19 cases have been steadily declining.
Social + Culture
Indonesian Cargo Vessel Sinks: Ten more survivors out of 42 onboarders have been found just three days after an Indonesian cargo vessel sank in the Makassar Strait of Indonesia.
No Alcohol Ads in Formula E: Despite Heineken becoming the global sponsor of the Formula E championship, alcohol and beer advertisements will be prohibited at the Jakarta E Prix.
Entertainment
Mesut Ozil visits Indonesia and attends Friday prayer: Mesut Ozil, former national German soccer team player, visited the Istiqlal Grand Mosque to pray, and to assist in promoting Indonesia with an agreement with the Tourism Ministry.
What We're Reading
Deepening Polarization and Democratic Decline in Indonesia:
“Three major elections have left the country more divided than it has been in decades…Various political and societal forces have coalesced since 2014 to divide Indonesian politics, and the ensuing polarization threatens the country’s democratic institutions and social fabric.” - Dr Eve Warbuton (Australia National University), Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
WIUI Recommends
Najwa Shihab Interviews Niki and Rich Brian
Internationally recognized artists, Niki and Rich Brian, came together with Najwa Shihab for a conversation on their journey within the music industry. Hopefully, one day it’ll be WIUI that interviews them 😉 (can we get an amen?!).
Hamilton
How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman grow up to be a hero and a scholar? Find out by watching Hamilton! Warning: the songs and catchy phrases stay in your head for weeks and you will 100% become addicted.
Also check out WIUI’s most recent Instagram post where we re-tell the journey of RKUHP through Hamilton lyrics!
Pen Pal
Q: Can you guys recommend some things to do for the summer holidays? 👀 (18f)
A: Hmm.. there’s so many things to do! Well, it depends on what your goal is this summer!
If you wanna bag some cash, try applying for an internship/part-time job. On the other hand, if you wanna just relax and have ultimate effortless fun, spend it with your family and friends! Take some aesthetic film pictures with them and for them, go bowling, go cafe-hopping, maybe even… go on a road-trip around Java Island, go to escape rooms, go go-karting, go walk your dogs around PIK, go workout together, anything… really! One thing I’ve learned over this summer is that, if you’re surrounded with people you truly love, everything you do will become INSTANTLY fun. So, don’t worry too much and just live life!
- Cult Leader Sharon.
Communicate with us!
We here at WIUI LOVE connecting to our community. The pen pal section is a way for you guys to communicate with us, and for us to communicate with you!
Tell us your hot take, give us recommendations, ask us questions about sociopolitics, or request advice about your love life here. We also welcome feedback!
Join our community!
Disclaimer: We are not professionals. We are prone to bias and error so please verify and double-check everything! We highly encourage you to do your own research.