This Month
2024 broke a 120-year election record that is terrible news for Labor
The billions who voted in 2024 sent an angry message to incumbent governments and warmed to populists, particularly on the right.
- Updated
- John Burn-Murdoch
December 2024
- Opinion
- International affairs
Prabowo’s first overseas visit was a shambles
The Indonesian president was so charmed by Xi Jinping that he agreed to a Chinese draft of a joint statement that gave away his nation’s longstanding positions.
- The Economist
November 2024
‘Ignorant’: Former spy boss hits Liberals over Bali Nine criticism
Dennis Richardson says the AFP’s controversial role in the arrest of the Bali Nine needs to be considered.
- Phillip Coorey
Dealing under way to bring Bali Nine back to Australia
But the Australians convicted in Indonesia of smuggling heroin would have to serve their sentences at home, the government says.
- Poppy Johnston
- Opinion
- Foreign relations
Did you miss the Indonesian president’s November surprise?
While Australians were absorbed by the US election, the new leader of their large neighbour was busy strengthening ties with Russia and China.
- James Curran
- Opinion
- Trump diplomacy
How to Trump-proof foreign policy
Don’t panic, don’t relax, look for opportunities, and stay close to our other allies. That’s a way to deal with a confronting new Washington.
- Rory Medcalf
‘America’s loss is Australia’s gain’ if Trump cuts green energy scheme
Any move by Donald Trump to curb the Inflation Reduction Act could drive investment to Australia, says Anthony Albanese.
- Phillip Coorey
Prabowo pledges co-operation with Trump
Washington sees Indonesia, the most populous country in South-East Asia, as an important partner in a region where its rival Beijing has deep trade and investment ties.
- Stanley Widianto and Jeff Mason
China, Indonesia strengthen ties as they brace for Trump
President Prabowo Subianto strikes deals with China before heading off to the US, as he tries to play a neutral role between the superpowers.
- Ella Cao
October 2024
How Indonesia’s transformative leader tarnished his legacy
Many believe Joko Widodo has tried to bend the laws to install a political dynasty, undercutting the very democracy that let him become president.
- Sui-Lee Wee
Ex-general Prabowo sworn in as Indonesian president
The ceremony marked a remarkable comeback for a man who once faced Western-imposed sanctions and had two failed election bids against the man he is replacing.
- Chandra Asmara and Faris Mokhtar
- Opinion
- World elections
What Indonesia’s new president has to do to promote economic growth
With the right policies, there is ample opportunity for Prabowo Subianto to build a stronger, more inclusive economy.
- Chatib Basri
August 2024
- Opinion
- Indonesia
Government hasn’t matched Keating’s Indonesia pact
The new defence agreement with Jakarta is a welcome development, but the government claims too much too soon about its place in history.
- James Curran
- Opinion
- Indonesia
Our new quiet security embrace as Jakarta hedges bets
Indonesia’s strategic wariness of China has culminated in this week’s military co-operation agreement with Australia. But don’t read too much into it.
- Susannah Patton and Rahman Yaacob
Albanese seals new defence pact with Indonesia’s Prabowo
Australia will lock in deeper military ties with Indonesia amid rising regional tensions with China.
- Andrew Tillett
Albanese reaches out early to Indonesia’s new president
Prabowo Subianto has been touring key regional capitals ahead of his elevation in October to Jakarta’s top job.
- Updated
- Andrew Tillett
June 2024
All change as Prabowo prepares for the top job
Economic nationalism has been a constant in Indonesia and the incoming President has some firm views on the topic.
- Emma Connors
May 2024
- Opinion
- Indonesia
Forget defence, agriculture is key to Prabowo’s Indonesia
Indonesia is obsessed with food self-sufficiency, and free lunches for children was a key election promise from the new president. Australia can help him with both.
- Robert Law
April 2024
Japan, US to seek Australia’s help in bolstering Indo-Pacific defence
Japanese officials indicate Australia would have a role to play to bolster ties in the region and reduce the risk of confrontations between China and the Philippines.
- Michael Smith
‘Old friend’: Indonesia’s Prabowo meets Xi in first foreign trip
Indonesia’s president-elect, Prabowo Subianto, met China’s President, Xi Jinping, in Beijing on Monday on his first foreign trip since his election.
- Ryan Woo