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CNA
14-07-2025
- Health
- CNA
Jokowi faces post-presidency scrutiny: From skin ailment speculation to fake degree controversy
JAKARTA: Amid intense speculation over the last month regarding the health of Joko Widodo, a senior aide over the weekend had to rubbish viral claims that the former Indonesian president had died. This come even even as a long-standing controversy alleging Widodo's fake academic credentials has cropped up again, this time after the police on Jul 10 said that it had entered into a full investigation phase for a case of slander against the former president. Investigators have allegedly found 'sufficient elements of criminal offence' committed against Widodo by five people - including former youth and sports minister Roy Suryo - according to local news site Detik. Suryo had served under the administration of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Widodo's immediate predecessor. It is the latest development in the long-running saga surrounding the authenticity of Widodo's university degree - a controversy that first surfaced in 2022. FROM SKIN CONDITION TO VIRAL HOAXES Since leaving office close to nine months ago, Widodo continues to remain a subject of public scrutiny - the latest triggered over concerns of his well-being after his 64th birthday celebration in June at his private residence in Solo. Video footage that circulated widely on social media showed the former leader with visible swelling, discolouration, and inflammation on his face and neck - prompting online speculation about a possible serious medical condition. Some online users claimed Widodo could be suffering from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a rare and potentially life-threatening skin reaction. Others suggested an autoimmune disorder. However, Widodo's personal adjutant - Police Commissioner Syarif Muhammad Fitriansyah - dismissed the rumors and said that the symptoms were the result of a mild skin allergy. According to Syarif, Widodo was recovering well under medical supervision. Former coordinating minister Muhadjir Effendy later said the reaction may have been triggered by a foreign soap used during Widodo's April trip to the Vatican City for the funeral of Pope Francis. He added that Widodo, known for having sensitive skin, usually relies on a specific brand of Indonesian soap brought by his wife but that it was inadvertently left behind. 'He has always used the same soap. Normally Ms Iriana brings it from home. But this time, they forgot,' Muhadjir told local media, referring to the former first lady Iriana Widodo. On Jul 12, Syarif reiterated that Widodo was in good health, adding that he is recovering well from his skin allergy. He also denied viral hoaxes that falsely claimed Indonesia's seventh president had died. 'He's active, healthy, and clearly recovering,' Syarif said, speaking to Tempo. He noted that Widodo had just returned from a two-week family vacation with his grandchildren. Images posted to Widodo's official Instagram account showed him on the beach and riding an ATV, with his facial condition visibly improved. Australian-based epidemiologist Dicky Budiman from Griffith University explained that skin reactions during international travel are not uncommon. "This is called primary hypersensitivity," he told local news outlet 'Even individuals with no prior allergic history can develop skin irritation when exposed to unfamiliar allergens abroad, including chemicals in hotel soaps or air fresheners.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joko Widodo (@jokowi) UNDER SCRUTINY Meanwhile, local media reported that the police are escalating the investigations against those purportedly involved in Widodo's alleged fake degree claims. Earlier, a lawsuit was filed by Islamic activist Eggi Sudjana on Dec 9 accusing Widodo and Gadjah Mada University (UGM) rector Ova Emilia of diploma forgery. The complaint revived earlier challenges brought by author Bambang Tri Mulyono, whose lawsuit had previously been dismissed by the courts. Demands for an independent audit of Widodo's bachelor of forestry degree, awarded in 1985, followed swiftly after the latest lawsuit. The university responded firmly, reiterating that all academic records were in order. At a press conference on Apr 15, vice-rector Wening Udasmoro said that Widodo had completed his studies in full accordance with the university's academic requirements. 'We have complete documentation - letters, grade transcripts, graduation certificates, and internal memos - confirming his enrollment and graduation,' she explained, quoted by Antara. Indonesia's National Police echoed UGM's position. Following a forensic investigation, Djuhandani Rahardjo Puro of the Criminal Investigation Agency on May 22 confirmed that Widodo's diploma was authentic, Kompas reported. The probe involved verification of the paper stock, printing ink, watermarks, and official seals, along with the signatures of university officials. Investigators also probed archival photos of Widodo as a student and interviewed 39 witnesses, including lecturers and former classmates.
Business Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Indonesia's ex-president Yudhoyono urges Asean to beef up investment game amid global shifts
[JAKARTA] South-east Asia must step up its efforts to attract long-term investment by enhancing trust, improving human capital and building a more compelling regional narrative, Indonesia's former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said, warning that rising geopolitical tensions and economic realignments are reshaping the global investment landscape. Speaking at the Asia Economic Summit 2025 in Jakarta on Thursday (June 26), he said the region faces both opportunities and risks as industries increasingly shift out of China in response to global trade tensions, particularly between the US and China. 'As some industries begin to relocate from China, South-east Asia has a real chance to position itself, not just as a destination for low-cost labour, but as a strategic hub for innovation, logistics and regional integration,' he said. However, he cautioned that seizing this moment would require agility and diplomatic balance. 'As we see China as an important source of technological capital, we also see the US and the West as indispensable sources of financial capital, therefore we need to maintain relationships with both with respect, mutual trust and mutual benefit.' The former president, who led Indonesia from 2004 to 2014, emphasised that to remain competitive, South-east Asia needs to expand its fiscal space, improve financial intermediation (particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises), and invest heavily in education and skills training to prepare workers for an increasingly automated, AI-driven future. His remarks come at a time when several South-east Asian economies have been hit by elevated tariffs under US President Donald Trump's administration. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up In response, some have entered negotiations with Washington in hopes of easing trade pressures and preserving their export competitiveness. Amid mounting global volatility, from the wars in Ukraine and Gaza to intensifying strategic rivalries between major powers such as US, China and Russia, Yudhoyono urged South-east Asia nations to project a united and dependable front to international investors. 'Investors want to know that our rules are stable, our systems are fair, and our societies are resilient,' he said. 'Trust between governments, with the private sector, and with citizens, is fundamental in attracting long-term capital.' Yudhoyono also urged South-east Asian nations to tell a more unified and compelling story on the global stage. 'The world often views South-east Asia through a fragmented lens. We must shift that perception. Diplomacy and storytelling are strategic capital.'
Business Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Former Indonesia president Yudhoyono urges Asean to strengthen investment strategy amid global shifts
[JAKARTA] South-east Asia must strengthen its efforts to attract long-term investment by enhancing trust, improving human capital and building a more compelling regional narrative, former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said, warning that rising geopolitical tensions and economic realignments are reshaping the global investment landscape. Speaking at the Asia Economic Summit 2025 in Jakarta on Thursday (June 26), Yudhoyono said the region faces both opportunities and risks as industries increasingly shift out of China in response to global trade tensions, particularly between the US and China. 'As some industries begin to relocate from China, South-east Asia has a real chance to position itself not just as a destination for low-cost labour, but as a strategic hub for innovation, logistics and regional integration,' he said. However, he cautioned that seizing this moment will require agility and diplomatic balance. 'As we see China as an important source of technological capital, we also see the US and the West as indispensable sources of financial capital, therefore we need to maintain relationships with both with respect, mutual trust and mutual benefit.' The former president, who led Indonesia from 2004 to 2014, emphasised that to remain competitive, South-east Asia needs to expand its fiscal space; improve financial intermediation, particularly for small and medium enterprises; and invest heavily in education and skills training to prepare workers for an increasingly automated, AI driven future. His remarks come at a time when several South-east Asian economies have been impacted by elevated tariffs under US President Donald Trump's administration. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up In response, some have entered negotiations with Washington in hopes of easing trade pressures and preserving export competitiveness. Amid mounting global volatility, from the wars in Ukraine and Gaza to intensifying strategic rivalries between major powers such as US, China and Russia, Yudhoyono urged South-east Asia nations to project a united and dependable front to international investors. 'Investors want to know that our rules are stable, our systems are fair, and our societies are resilient,' he said. 'Trust between governments, with the private sector, and with citizens, is fundamental in attracting long-term capital.' Yudhoyono also urged South-east Asian nations to tell a more unified and compelling story on the global stage. 'The world often views South-east Asia through a fragmented lens. We must shift that perception. Diplomacy and storytelling are strategic capital.'
New Straits Times
16-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Malaysia, Indonesia cooperation helps safeguard education rights of migrant children
KOTA KINABALU: Community Learning Centres (CLCs) established across oil palm plantations in Sabah have played a vital role in safeguarding the rights of Indonesian migrant workers' children, helping prevent child labour and ensuring access to education. Minister Counsellor for Information and Social-Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu, Dra Machdaniar Nisfah, said the initiative was introduced in response to the growing number of Indonesian children living in remote plantations without access to formal schooling. Discussions on setting up CLCs began in 2009 and were formalised through a joint statement between then Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Malaysian Prime Minister the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The initiative was later reaffirmed in 2011 through another joint declaration between Susilo and then Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. The Malaysian government officially approved the establishment of CLCs in Sabah on Nov 25, 2011, enabling the centres to deliver education to Indonesian children living on plantations. "This programme not only supports children's rights but also helps Malaysia address a pressing social issue. It gives Indonesian families hope for a better future for their children." "The right to education is a universal human right. It cannot be limited by documentation status. Just because a child is undocumented doesn't mean they lose that right," she said in a recent interview with the New Straits Times. Before the formal agreement, Indonesian children on plantations could only access basic literacy education through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Humana and Etania. "Those NGOs only taught up to Grade 6. After that, the children were stuck. They couldn't return to Indonesia for further studies because they didn't follow the Indonesian syllabus," she said. With the CLC system now in place, children are taught using the Indonesian national curriculum, enabling them to re-enter the formal education system in Indonesia. Upon completing their primary education—typically by age 12 or 13—students are repatriated to Indonesia, where they continue secondary school under fully funded government placements. Others may remain in Malaysia until completing Form 3 (age 15) before returning. "Since 2013, over 4,036 children have been repatriated after completing their education in CLCs. They are enrolled in Indonesian junior high schools at no cost to their families. It's essentially a scholarship programme." Some of these students have gone on to attend universities in countries such as the United States, France, South Korea, and Australia. However, she acknowledged that the CLC programme faces significant implementation challenges. Of the 229 CLCs currently operating across Sabah, only 97 have been officially issued permits by the Malaysian Education Ministry. "The permit application process is long and complex. It involves plantation companies submitting paperwork to the consulate, which then endorses and forwards it to the State Education Department and eventually to Putrajaya. "The same applies to working visa applications in Sabah for teachers from the Indonesian government," she said, adding that there are now about 150 Indonesian teachers stationed at CLCs across the state. The consulate also operates Sekolah Indonesia Kota Kinabalu in Sepanggar, a formal Indonesian government school established in 2008 for the children of consulate staff and expatriates. Due to increasing demand, it now also accepts children of migrant workers—but its capacity of 1,200 students is far from sufficient.
Nikkei Asia
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Nikkei Asia
ASEAN can be mediator in US-China rivalry: Indonesia's Yudhoyono
TOKYO -- With rivalries among the U.S., China and other powers intensifying, ASEAN can play the role of mediator by using the Southeast Asian bloc's focus on building internal consensus, former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told Nikkei. Yudhoyono became Indonesia's first directly elected president in 2004, spearheading critical democratic reforms until he left office a decade later. Edited excerpts from the interview follow.
