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Indonesia Loves Innovation Talk. So, Where’s the Innovation?
Indonesia ranks 55th in the 2025 Global Innovation Index. Why is a G20 country still stuck in the middle, and what’s holding it back?
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Leigh McKiernon
Disconnecting From Work Shouldn’t Be Revolutionary, But Here We Are
The right to disconnect shouldn’t be controversial. But it is. Here’s how culture, law, and burnout collided in today’s 24/7 work obsession.
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Leigh McKiernon
The $100K KITAS and Other Hot Takes From the Trump–Prabowo Bromance... 😲
Trump praises Prabowo at the UN. What follows is a descent into military optics, expat fears, budget blowouts, and the $100K KITAS nobody asked for.
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Leigh McKiernon
Modern Management Theories Are Great, Unless You Actually Want to Run a Business
Elite firms in law, finance, and consulting aren’t flattening hierarchies. They’re doubling down on engineered dependency. Here’s why it works so well.
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Leigh McKiernon
High School, High Office: Indonesia’s Surprisingly Exclusive Low Bar for Parliament
Indonesia requires a high school diploma to join parliament. Most countries require even less. So what should we expect from our lawmakers?
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Leigh McKiernon
“Jangan Malu!”: How Indonesia’s Shame Culture Tanked Its Entire Startup Ecosystem
Indonesia’s startup scandals aren’t just about ethics. They’re about shame, silence, and fear. Here’s why nobody speaks up until it’s far too late.
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Leigh McKiernon
Radical Candour: The Management Theory That Sounds Amazing Until You Actually Try It
Feedback is a gift, until it causes cultural breakdown. Explore the messy reality of Radical Candour in Southeast Asia and how to adapt it smartly.
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Leigh McKiernon
From Ojek to Oligarch: How to Speedrun Career Success in Indonesia (Qualifications Unnecessary)
From Ojol to official. Ultraman to parliament. How do people really rise in Indonesia? This article unpacks the game behind the game.
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Leigh McKiernon
What If Older Professionals Actually Are Less Adaptable?
Is there truth behind the stereotype that older workers resist change? We explore the nuance behind adaptability, age, and workplace expectations.
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Leigh McKiernon
Indonesia’s Feel-Good Social Survey Finds Everything Is Fine... Please Stop Asking Questions
Indonesia’s 2025 social survey shows high trust in leadership despite deep economic hardship. Are people truly satisfied, or is something missing?
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Leigh McKiernon
Congratulations, Indonesia, You’re in Your Prime! (Please Don’t Sleep Through It)
Indonesia is in its demographic sweet spot. But time is short. This piece explores what happens if the country fails to act before the window closes.
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Leigh McKiernon
How Danantara’s Flagship Agri Arm Ran Dry Before It Got Started
The CEO of Indonesia’s flagship agri SOE just quit over zero funding. What does this mean for Danantara and the future of food estates?
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Leigh McKiernon
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