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On Apr 23, 2026?

🏛️ National Politics & Governance

Academic Critique Highlights "Low Politics" Trap in Indonesia’s Party System

During his inauguration as a Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Bhayangkara Surabaya (Ubhara), Prof. Dossy Iskandar Prasetyo delivered a stinging critique of the current state of Indonesian political parties. Having served the academic community for four decades, Prof. Dossy utilized his platform to highlight a growing disconnect between the normative ideals of the Constitution and the practical reality of political maneuvering in the country.

He argued that while political parties are constitutionally mandated as the pillars of democracy and the primary instruments for leadership recruitment, they have largely fallen into the trap of "low politics." This term refers to a narrow focus on power struggles and electoral gains rather than "high politics," which prioritizes the public interest and national progress. According to Prof. Dossy, although the 1945 Constitution (UUD 1945) reforms have granted political parties exclusive rights—such as the sole authority to nominate presidential and vice-presidential candidates—the actual implementation remains paradoxically restrictive and self-serving.

Key Takeaway: Political parties in Indonesia are facing a crisis of purpose, where the pursuit of power often overshadows their constitutional duty to serve as vehicles for public aspiration and national development.

Furthermore, Prof. Dossy pointed out legislative inconsistencies regarding the involvement of TNI (Military), Polri (Police), and ASN (Civil Servants) in politics. He suggested that current regulations need a more fair and proportional review to ensure they align with democratic principles. For future legal professionals, he emphasized that mastering the law is not enough; one must also possess the integrity to read social realities and provide genuine solutions for society.

⚖️ Legal & Digital Policy

Indonesia Threatens Wikipedia Blackout Over Digital Sovereignty Compliance

The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has intensified its pressure on the Wikimedia Foundation, the operator of the global encyclopedia Wikipedia, over its failure to comply with domestic administrative regulations. This potential blockade is part of a broader government initiative to enforce digital sovereignty and ensure that all global electronic system providers (PSE) operating within Indonesia are legally registered and accountable to local laws.

The friction stems from a registration request that has been pending since November 2025. Under Law Number 1 of 2024 (the second amendment to the Electronic Information and Transactions Law or UU ITE) and Government Regulation Number 71 of 2019, any entity managing electronic systems in Indonesia must register to safeguard national interests and data protection. Legal expert Dr. Awaludin Marwan noted that the government views this not merely as an administrative hurdle, but as a strategic necessity to maintain control over the nation's digital landscape.

Key Takeaway: The potential blocking of Wikipedia serves as a stern warning to global tech giants that compliance with Indonesian digital regulations is mandatory for continued service in the domestic market.

If the Wikimedia Foundation fails to fulfill these requirements, millions of Indonesian users could lose access to one of the world's most vital information resources. This move has sparked significant debate among tech observers and legal scholars, who weigh the importance of national sovereignty against the public's right to access information. For now, the ball remains in Wikimedia's court to decide whether to adhere to the legal framework established by the Indonesian government or face a total blackout in the region.