Jakarta – President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s first speech as president elect for the period 2019-2024 contained several words which were seen as tough. The potential for authoritarianism in the next administration was also apparent in his speech titled Indonesia Vision.

The government must review regional regulations on zonal planning for coastal areas and small islands in various parts of the country which have resulted in the forced eviction of local communities.

These regional regulations have detached fisherpeople, salt farmers and other community groups from their source of livelihood.

Chaidir Anwar Tanjung, Pekanbaru – Environmental activists in Riau province held a theatrical action in protest over the construction of a ring road in Duri City, Bengkalis regency. They said that the ring road would destroy the last remaining elephant habitat.

Jakarta – The construction of a bridge on the Trans Papua road in Nduga, West Papua, will be finished by the army (TNI AD). The construction of the bridge was postponed following the December 2 fatal shooting of construction workers by the West Papua National Liberation Army.

Jakarta – Vice President Jusuf Kalla says that the government has done all kind of things to reconcile with Papua including providing facilities as well as special policies for Indonesia’s Eastern-most region.

Ray Jordan, Lampung – President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo insists that work on the Trans Papua road project will continue despite the recent shooting of construction workers in Nduga regency, Papua.

Widodo is asking that all infrastructure projects and Trans Papua workers always be accompanied by security personnel.

President Joko Widodo (left) announced Saturday that all vehicles will be free to use the 5.4 kilometre Suramadu (Surabaya-Madura) toll bridge connecting the East Java provincial capital of Surabaya and Madura Island without charge claiming the move would help spur economic development on the island.

Political observer Faisal Basri has criticised the use of state foreign debt which according to the government narrative is being used to spur infrastructure development.

Yet according to the data he has gathered, most of the government’s foreign debt is being spent on the civil service.

Edzan Raharjo, Yogyakarta – Protesters opposing the New Yogyakarta International Airport (NYIA) at Kulon Progo held a demonstration this afternoon at the Yogyakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD DIY).

Ristu Hanafi, Sleman – Protesters and students from the Alliance against the Kulon Progo Airport have again demonstrated in front of the PT Angkasa Pura (AP I) offices in the Central Java city of Yogyakarta this afternoon.