The April 2020 edition of the Indonesia Update raises a major report on the handling of the COVID-19 outbreak in Indonesia in the perspective of the relationship between the Central and Regional Governments. These polemics have arisen following the policies of some Regional Governments (Pemda) that have quarantined their territories. The decisions to quarantine the territories or not are the authority of the Central Government, as stated in Law No. 6/2018 on Health Quarantine.

On the economy, this time the Indonesian Update discusses Indonesia’s macroeconomic outlook, which has been revised and made more realistic. As a result, Vision 2045, which targets Indonesia to become a high-income country will be difficult to achieve. In addition, we also discuss the fluctuation of the rupiah against the US dollar. Therefore, there is a need for coordination and cooperation between BI, OJK, and the Ministry of Finance in reducing the weakening of the rupiah.

In the field of law, we discuss a number of legal products issued by the Government that contain a number of weaknesses. For example, the provisions of PP Number 21/2020 and Perppu Number 1/2020. This shows that the Governmennt is stuttering in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic problem in Indonesia. In addition, on legal affairs, we also discuss the steps to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic with physical distancing, which have not yet encountered developments and have the potential to escalate this epidemic if without being accompanied by force from the Government to the public.

On politics, the Indonesian Update discusses the issues of public communications by the government in handling COVID-19. The Government’s public communications in handling COVID-19 are considered not yet effective. A straightforward and directional form of public communication is needed, and this should be followed by a commitment to implement it in the form of real policy. Next, we discuss PSBB Permenkes and the polemics over the handling at the local or regional level, which we criticize in the context of decentralization in Indonesia. In addition, we discuss the importance of public participation in the handling of COVID-19. Massive public participation is expected so that it will have a significant impact in on breaking the chain of the spread of COVID-19.

On social affairs, the Indonesian Update raises the issue of vulnerability faced by domestic violence victims during the COVID-19 social restriction policy, who need to get a response that is strict and gender-sensitive. Next, we also discuss the implementation of the Pre-Employment Card policy, which was carried out amid uncertain conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we discuss the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on inequality in society, including on women.

The monthly publication of the Indonesian Update with actual themes are expected to help policymakers in government and business institutions – as well as academics, think tanks, and elements of civil society, both at home and abroad, to get actual information and contextual analysis of economic conditions, political, social and legal aspects in Indonesia, and an understanding of public policy in Indonesia.

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