Since the Red and White opposition controls 31 out of 33 provincial legislatures, it will eventually be able to appoint key friends and allies to lead local governments across the entire archipelago. Especially in Indonesia’s system of regional autonomy, where local power is both real and lucrative, those politicians looking to monetize their influence will find it compelling to stay within the opposition. While outgoing President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono issued an emergency decree that temporarily keeps direct local elections intact, the Red and White-controlled DPR holds all the cards. By simply not ratifying that decree, the new law springs back into life within six months. To find the path out of this difficult maze, Mr. Widodo must continue to build on two related sources of momentum. First, he needs to keep the electorate firmly engaged, asking them to actively display support when needed. And he must boldly set a new course for Indonesia.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 01:47:56 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015