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Why Doesn’t Indonesia Want Foreign Aid?
Jakarta refuses foreign relief while peripheral islands drown. Sovereign dignity shields empty state coffers, crony construction cartels, and strategic…
Aug 25
•
Leigh McKiernon
2
1
What Does Indonesia Spend Its Money On?
Indonesia spends trillions on free school meals and police while starving research and infrastructure, trading long-term growth for daily consumption.
Aug 23
•
Leigh McKiernon
1
Are Indonesians Digitally Uncivilised?
Indonesia scored poorly on the Digital Civility Index, but “uncivilised” may be the wrong conclusion. Scams, literacy and online culture tell another…
Aug 12
•
Leigh McKiernon
4
Merah Putih... Incorporated?
Merah Putih once united Indonesia against colonial rule. Today it appears across government and commercial initiatives. Has the symbol become a brand?
Aug 9
•
Leigh McKiernon
4
Who Pays If Indonesia's Best Leave?
Indonesia's push for overseas skilled workers raises difficult questions about brain drain, the demographic dividend, tax revenue and future economic…
Aug 2
•
Leigh McKiernon
5
1
July 2026
Who Exactly Is a Londo Ireng?
A colonial-era phrase has returned to Indonesian politics. The history of londo ireng, its evolving meaning, and why it matters again in 2026.
Jul 27
•
Leigh McKiernon
18
7
Classroom Cartels, Pt. II: Was I Wrong?
Elite schools, startup hiring, venture capital and social capital in Indonesia. Why familiarity may have been rewarded over merit during the startup…
Jul 19
•
Leigh McKiernon
1
When Is a Promotion Not Really a Promotion?
Responsibility inflation is quietly reshaping the workplace, asking employees to contribute at the next level while often being paid at the last one.
Jul 16
•
Leigh McKiernon
1
Can a Commissioner Be Independent If They Owe Their Seat to Someone Else?
Recent commissioner appointments have reignited questions about corporate governance, independence and political influence in Indonesia's largest…
Jul 14
•
Leigh McKiernon
2
Who Really Holds Power in Indonesia?
Why would soldiers guard prosecutors? Why do police investigate prosecutors? Indonesia's institutions make more sense once you understand the history.
Jul 12
•
Leigh McKiernon
4
June 2026
Does Indonesia Understand The Risk It Is Asking People To Take?
A state-linked venture capital case has exposed a deeper problem for Indonesia: how to separate failure, risk, judgment, and corruption.
Jun 28
•
Leigh McKiernon
4
Does Indonesia’s 5% GDP Growth Pass the Smell Test?
Indonesia’s headline GDP growth remains near 5%, but what is really driving the number, and does it match the wider economy?
Jun 15
•
Leigh McKiernon
2
2
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