Publication

This commentary examines the outcome and consequences of the 2014 parliamentary elections in Indonesia. The author contends that while the new government has raised high expectations for swift reforms amongst its supporters, it faces a range of imminent challenges. An ailing state budget, bureaucratic red tape, dated infrastructure, as well as reforms in the fields of health care and education are but some of the policy fields that warrant quick action. Due to the new president’s lack of experience in foreign affairs, the author also expects that Indonesia will play a less active role in the region.