While Indonesia under Jokowi can be expected to continue to take unilateral action to reinforce the Indonesian position around the Natuna Islands, Jokowi has not played an active diplomatic role on the broader South China Sea issue. In the longer term, Indonesia is better off investing in diplomatic leadership. Key findings:

Purpose / Context - The provision of reticulated sanitation infrastructure has not kept pace with the rapid urbanization, which can be witnessed in Indonesia. In addition, lack of proper sanitation infrastructure treaty led to pollution of groundwater. The most common system used for human ex-creta disposal system in Indonesia is septic tank, which is an...

In addition to economic reforms, Jakarta faces other challenges such as perceived corruption within the government and public services. Growing nationalism and the increasing influence of the military in domestic matters could also play an interesting role in shaping Indonesia’s future.

Indonesian President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo is expected to visit Australia next month. The visit follows Australian Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull’s meeting with Widodo in Laos on the back of the 2016 Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.

Overview In this paper, six experts examine the South China Sea issue, and what role middle powers can play in helping ensure that the contest over disputed territory does not lead to conflict. Brendan Taylor and William Tow examine Australian debates, arguing that Australian policymakers should explore an ‘Asia-first’ approach by cooperating with Indonesia and...