Indonesia Study Group 2024
17 April. Nicholas Kuipers. Preference mismatch for environmental policy in Indonesia
The study delves into an examination of Indonesian voters and politicians' stances on a range of issues. Concurrent surveys were conducted ahead of the 2024 Indonesian general election. In a subsequent stage, information about voter preferences was randomized and provided to candidates. The findings reveal a disconnection between voters and politicians regarding environmental concerns, with politicians underestimating voter priorities. Providing information about voter preferences led to shifts in politicians' stated policy preferences, particularly on issues where voter support was initially underestimated. However, this information did not influence politicians' support for costly policy measures on environmental issues, nor did it impact their electoral performance.
Slides here
28 February. Stephen Sherlock. The effects of electoral quotas on women's candidacy and representation in Indonesia
During the last five elections, women’s parliamentary representation has steadily improved, doubling from 8.6 percent in 1999 to 20.7 percent in 2019. During four elections, progressively strengthened quotas on the number of women candidates and their placement on the ballot paper have been imposed. Stephen Sherlock examines quantitative evidence that the progressive strengthening of quotas on women’s political participation in Indonesia has been associated with improved representation of women in the national parliament (DPR). Has the rise in women’s representation in Indonesia been positively influenced by the quotas, and could incremental tightening of quotas see further growth in women’s representation?
Slides here
27 March. Hilman Palaon. Digitising social protection systems: Insight from Indonesia
Indonesia acknowledges the pivotal role of social protection programs in poverty alleviation, emergency response, and inclusive development. The fiscal commitment to these programs ranks among the top three in annual government expenditures, aimed at supporting the poor and vulnerable. Persistent issues in the disbursement process have necessitated a transformative approach. To address it, Indonesia has prioritised a digital reform of its social protection system. This study delves into how Indonesia successfully implemented digital solutions to reform the disbursement of social protection programs and outlines the future agenda.