Greetings From The Indonesian Institute,
The November-December 2025 edition of the Indonesian Update presents critical analyses of economic, legal, political, and social developments that have influenced Indonesian public policy at the beginning of this year.
The main report “Examining Child Protection in Indonesia from the Threats of Cigarettes,” highlights the health risks children face due to cigarette consumption and exposure. It emphasizes the need for effective legal protection, strong regulations, and public awareness as a comprehensive effort to protect the younger generation.
In the economic field, two main articles review Indonesia’s macroeconomic conditions and fiscal policy in 2026. “The Analysis of Indonesia’s Economic Conditions in 2026: Macroeconomics, Fiscal Policy, and Potential Risks” discusses growth trends, inflation challenges, and systemic risks that could impact national economic stability. Meanwhile, “the Analysis of the 2026 State Budget and its Deficit from a Rule of Law Perspective” highlights the importance of legal compliance and accountability in state budget management.
In the legal realm, this edition features two important studies. “National Heroes and the Image of the Nation” examines the meaning of legal recognition of national figures and its impact on society’s collective identity, while “Press Freedom in the Prabowo Era” highlights the dynamics of media freedom and the challenges of regulatory oversight of journalistic practice in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, in the political sphere, readers can find critical analyses of the behavior of legislative institutions and democratic mechanisms. The article “Political Analysis of the Constitutional Court’s Decision against Five DPR Members: Ethical, Party, and Public Perspectives” examines the alleged ethical violations by DPR members and their implications for parliamentary credibility. Meanwhile, “The Importance of a Democratic Policy Formulation Process in the Revision of the Election Law” emphasizes the urgency of public involvement and transparency in legislative policymaking.
With this edition, the Indonesian Update once again provides a space for critical reflection for readers seeking to understand the interconnectedness of public policy, law, and public welfare. We hope that the articles in this 2026 edition could serve as a guide for assessing the direction of economic development, democracy, and social protection in Indonesia.
Happy reading.
The Indonesian Institute Center For Public Policy Research