Expert Opinions Arsip - Universitas Gadjah Mada https://ugm.ac.id/en/tag/expert-opinions/ Mengakar Kuat dan Menjulang Tinggi Mon, 10 Feb 2025 08:32:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.7 100 Days of Prabowo-Gibran Administration: UGM Experts Point Out Lack of Clarity in Planning and Execution https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/100-days-of-prabowo-gibran-administration-ugm-experts-point-out-lack-of-clarity-in-planning-and-execution/ https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/100-days-of-prabowo-gibran-administration-ugm-experts-point-out-lack-of-clarity-in-planning-and-execution/#respond Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:30:48 +0000 https://ugm.ac.id/?p=75769 The first 100 days of the Prabowo-Gibran administration’s policies in law, economics, and political governance have been closely scrutinized by the public. The administration has not been immune to criticism, especially regarding policy blunders made by ministers in the face of the government’s efforts to cut budget spending and the decline in consumer purchasing power.  […]

Artikel 100 Days of Prabowo-Gibran Administration: UGM Experts Point Out Lack of Clarity in Planning and Execution pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
The first 100 days of the Prabowo-Gibran administration’s policies in law, economics, and political governance have been closely scrutinized by the public.

The administration has not been immune to criticism, especially regarding policy blunders made by ministers in the face of the government’s efforts to cut budget spending and the decline in consumer purchasing power. 

The administration’s performance is seen as ineffective, with several programs showing a lack of clear planning and execution on the ground.

In the area of rule of law, democracy, and constitutional law, Dr. Hendry Noor Julian, a lecturer at UGM’s Faculty of Law (FH UGM), raised concerns about the weakening of the government’s check-and-balance system. 

He referenced Donald Black’s theory from The Behavior of Law, which states that political proximity can cause laws to lose force. 

This refers to the dominance of coalitions in parliament, which could reduce the effectiveness of oversight over government policies. 

“Instead of acting as a control mechanism, the executive-legislative relationship now tends to be more of a partnership,” Dr. Julian explained during the Pojok Bulaksumur Discussion titled “From Promises to Actions: 100 Days of the Prabowo-Gibran Administration,” held in the central corridor of UGM’s Central Office, Friday (Feb. 7).

At the beginning of his administration, Dr. Julian noted that Prabowo’s idea of forgiving corrupt officials drew significant criticism and backlash. From a legal standpoint, a person’s status as a corrupt official must be based on a final legal ruling. 

If mechanisms allow corrupt officials to be freed after returning state funds, it could lead to numerous issues, particularly in terms of law enforcement and justice. 

“Given the current legal and institutional systems, I’m not even confident that more than 20 percent of this policy will succeed,” Dr. Julian remarked.

From a political and governance perspective, Dr. Mada Sukmajati of UGM’s Department of Politics and Government noted that the promises outlined in Asta Cita—the eight priority programs of the Prabowo-Gibran administration—have yet to materialize. 

He mentioned several programs, such as free nutritious lunches, free health check-ups, and the development of excellent schools, that still lack clear planning and execution. 

“If we’re talking about well-designed programs with quick results, the designs should have been clear within these 100 days. But the reality is that the implementation is still partial, and in some aspects, we don’t even know how the mechanisms work,” Dr. Sukmajati added.

Despite the limited policy achievements, Dr. Sukmajati also questioned the high public satisfaction levels with the Prabowo-Gibran administration. 

“An approval rating of 80 percent raises significant questions. Is it because the public remains optimistic about the government, or were the surveys conducted under certain conditions that skewed the results?” Dr. Sukmajati explained.

UGM economist Dr. Yudistira Hendra Permana also scrutinized the administration’s debt relief policy for MSMEs, farmers, and fishermen. He saw it as more of a desperate measure than a long-term solution to improving the economy. 

“Is this a step to stimulate economic growth, or does it signal that the government has run out of options?” he asked.

Dr. Permana also addressed budget cuts in various sectors due to the growing fiscal deficit and policies that fail to consider long-term economic sustainability.

Furthermore, Dr. Permana commented that the administration’s target of achieving 8% economic growth was overly ambitious, given the ongoing global economic slowdown. 

In fact, over the past few months, Indonesia’s economic growth has faced deflationary pressures. 

“Reaching 8% growth in the next five years seems unrealistic without concrete strategies and more structured economic policies,” he said.

Answering reporters’ questions about the political context, Dr. Sukmajati noted that the Prabowo-Gibran administration is still seeking balance in power dynamics and oligarchic interests. 

The relationship between the ruling elite and business interests is undergoing a reconfiguration, with both past and new economic-political networks negotiating dominance over current government policies.

Dr. Sukmajati also commented on President Prabowo’s reliance on military networks to support government programs. 

He believed this choice was logical, as the limited political and bureaucratic networks meant the military became the primary tool for distributing priority programs, such as free school lunches. 

“However, this approach could also pose challenges for law and democracy,” he noted.

Experts view this tradition of evaluating the administration’s first 100 days as an important moment to assess the initial steps of government policies. 

While it is not the ultimate measure of a government’s success, the first 100 days often indicate the direction of policies and the commitment of leaders to fulfilling campaign promises. Therefore, the public and the media are expected to continue monitoring key programs to ensure they bring real benefits to the people’s welfare.

Author: Bolivia

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel 100 Days of Prabowo-Gibran Administration: UGM Experts Point Out Lack of Clarity in Planning and Execution pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/100-days-of-prabowo-gibran-administration-ugm-experts-point-out-lack-of-clarity-in-planning-and-execution/feed/ 0
UGM Expert Addresses Concerns Over Microplastics in Tea Bags https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-expert-addresses-concerns-over-microplastics-in-tea-bags/ https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-expert-addresses-concerns-over-microplastics-in-tea-bags/#respond Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:14:20 +0000 https://ugm.ac.id/?p=75763 Recent research circulating in the media indicates that five commercially available tea bag products have been found to release microplastics when steeped in hot water.  This research revealed that tea bags made from plastic materials have the potential to release millions of microplastic particles into the body.  The reason is that when polymer-based tea bags […]

Artikel UGM Expert Addresses Concerns Over Microplastics in Tea Bags pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
Recent research circulating in the media indicates that five commercially available tea bag products have been found to release microplastics when steeped in hot water. 

This research revealed that tea bags made from plastic materials have the potential to release millions of microplastic particles into the body. 

The reason is that when polymer-based tea bags are placed in hot water, the microplastic particles released can be absorbed by intestinal cells and enter the bloodstream.

Rafika Aprilianti, a microplastic researcher at the Ecological Observation and Wetlands Conservation (Ecoton), presented this discovery on Monday (Feb. 3). 

Five widely available tea bag products were also tested, all of which released microplastics when brewed.

Responding to these findings, Dr. Annisa Utami Rauf, a lecturer in the Department of Health Behavior, Environment, and Social Medicine, UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM), stated that these results do not mean tea bags should immediately be banned. 

According to her, no established regulations specifying the acceptable level of microplastics in tea bags exist. Even the hanging string of the tea bag contains microplastic fragments. 

“To my knowledge, there is no established standard level. So, we don’t know, for example, if drinking it several times is harmful or if one drink is dangerous. However, microplastics are considered emerging contaminants,” she said.

For consumers who enjoy tea bags but are concerned about microplastics, she suggested switching to brewed tea filtered with a strainer or using loose-leaf tea.

To address the microplastic issue in tea bag products, she emphasized the importance of informing the public that tea bags indeed contain microplastics. 

“We first need to educate people about this issue, that the content does exist. Once they know, we can recommend that they should not consume it too frequently,” she explained.

Additionally, she suggested that there should be education for the public to raise awareness about microplastics. 

“Microplastics are actually present in every component, such as minerals and soil. However, tea bags enter the digestive system directly, and we don’t know the long-term effects. That’s what makes it dangerous because not all fragments can be excreted from the body,” Dr. Rauf said.

Nonetheless, she mentioned that not all tea bags are made from plastic; some are made from paper, which does not produce microplastics compared to plastic-based tea bags. In light of these findings, she recommended that the public be more mindful in selecting daily products, including tea bags. 

“It’s best to switch to paper tea bags or other environmentally friendly materials to reduce microplastic exposure,” she advised.

Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photo: Freepik

Artikel UGM Expert Addresses Concerns Over Microplastics in Tea Bags pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-expert-addresses-concerns-over-microplastics-in-tea-bags/feed/ 0
UGM Expert Urges Focus on Safety in School-Organized Tourism https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-expert-urges-focus-on-safety-in-school-organized-tourism/ https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-expert-urges-focus-on-safety-in-school-organized-tourism/#respond Thu, 06 Feb 2025 09:19:14 +0000 https://ugm.ac.id/?p=75634 Recently, the public has been shocked by two tragic incidents involving students during school-organized recreational activities.  At the end of January, 13 junior high school students from SMPN 7 Mojokerto were swept away by waves at Drini Beach, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, resulting in the death of four students.  Shortly after, a traffic accident occurred involving high […]

Artikel UGM Expert Urges Focus on Safety in School-Organized Tourism pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
Recently, the public has been shocked by two tragic incidents involving students during school-organized recreational activities. 

At the end of January, 13 junior high school students from SMPN 7 Mojokerto were swept away by waves at Drini Beach, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, resulting in the death of four students. 

Shortly after, a traffic accident occurred involving high school students from SMAN 1 Porong Sidoarjo at the Purwodadi toll exit on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, claiming two lives and injuring 19 others. 

Numerous similar accidents at tourist sites or en route to destinations have led to fatalities.

Dr. Destha Titi Raharjana, a researcher at UGM’s Center for Tourism Studies (Puspar UGM), expressed concern over these incidents. 

According to him, recreational activities meant to bring joy and rejuvenation instead ended in tragedy. 

While accidents are unpredictable, he believes they can be mitigated through vigilance and prioritizing safety to reduce the risk of accidents. 

“These incidents could have been prevented if all parties had consistently applied safety protocols (SOP) and maintained control,” he stated at UGM Campus on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.

Dr. Raharjana emphasized that tourism operators should be most familiar with their environments, facilities, and attractions. 

All equipment should be in optimal condition and closely monitored, with regular safety checks. 

“Tourism and recreation service providers should professionally and consistently implement SOPs to minimize risks,” he added.

Dr. Raharjana also highlighted that tourists should feel assured of the safety of all facilities when purchasing tickets, even if insurance is included. 

He recommended that operators display safety reminders and continuously urge visitors to be cautious, especially during peak times when crowd surges may cause people to neglect safety measures.

He advised tourists to be extra cautious at outdoor destinations such as Drini Beach, especially during the rainy season. 

Visitors to water-related attractions should familiarize themselves with the location’s characteristics. 

“Being prepared and responsible for one’s own safety is key. Schools should also remind students to be careful, and knowledge of potential wave hazards should be sought or provided to tourists. The strong waves and deep trenches along the southern coast of Java should be taken seriously,” he warned.

Dr. Raharjana also expressed concern over road accidents involving tourists, such as the recent incident in Pasuruan. 

He noted that various factors, including vehicle issues and human error, contribute to these accidents. 

To prevent such incidents, he urged travel agencies to ensure vehicles are well-maintained and safe for passengers. 

“Vehicles must undergo regular safety checks, and all paperwork should be in order,” he explained.

He also called on government authorities, particularly the Transportation Department, to regularly inspect bus companies and assess their vehicles. 

“If any vehicles are found unfit, travel agencies have the right to request newer or safer vehicles,” he added.

Lastly, Dr. Raharjana emphasized the importance of regular health checks for drivers to ensure they are fit to operate vehicles. 

“A driver’s familiarity with the road is crucial for safety, as experienced drivers are generally more cautious. It’s essential for each driver to understand and learn the road conditions,” he concluded.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Lintang

Photo: Freepik

Artikel UGM Expert Urges Focus on Safety in School-Organized Tourism pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-expert-urges-focus-on-safety-in-school-organized-tourism/feed/ 0
UGM Economist Assesses the Economic Impact of National Budget Cuts https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-economist-assesses-the-economic-impact-of-national-budget-cuts/ https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-economist-assesses-the-economic-impact-of-national-budget-cuts/#respond Thu, 06 Feb 2025 04:44:12 +0000 https://ugm.ac.id/?p=75624 President Prabowo Subianto has introduced a policy to cut the national budget (APBN), aiming for an efficiency of 306 billion rupiah. This policy reduces funding for several institutions and ministries, potentially affecting various programs that may be canceled due to limited funding.  If not executed carefully, it could impact the national economy by lowering public […]

Artikel UGM Economist Assesses the Economic Impact of National Budget Cuts pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
President Prabowo Subianto has introduced a policy to cut the national budget (APBN), aiming for an efficiency of 306 billion rupiah. This policy reduces funding for several institutions and ministries, potentially affecting various programs that may be canceled due to limited funding. 

If not executed carefully, it could impact the national economy by lowering public purchasing power, creating investment uncertainty, limiting job creation, and reducing labor productivity.

Dr. Akhmad Akbar Susamto, a lecturer at UGM’s Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM), warned the government about the macroeconomic effects of these budget cuts. 

He emphasized that cutting funds, especially in productive sectors like essential infrastructure, education, and health, could hinder long-term economic growth. 

“These sectors have a significant multiplier effect on the economy. If budget cuts are not done selectively, they can negatively affect public investment, job creation, and labor productivity,” Dr. Susamto said on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.

In addition to economic growth, social stability and public welfare may also be impacted. 

Social programs related to protection, subsidies, or assistance for vulnerable groups should not be the main targets for budget cuts. 

“If cuts are too aggressive in these sectors, public purchasing power could decline, reducing domestic consumption and slowing economic recovery,” he explained.

Dr. Susamto noted that if the economic recovery slows, the sustainability of fiscal policy will heavily influence investor perceptions of investing in Indonesia. 

Therefore, budget cuts should be accompanied by clear strategies to maintain economic stability. 

“We must avoid creating uncertainty among businesses. Investors and the private sector need reassurance that the government remains committed to policies that support economic growth,” he stated.

Dr. Susamto agreed that the current budget cuts under the Prabowo-Gibran administration are necessary to maintain economic stability. 

Budget reductions for fiscal efficiency are understandable, especially in light of the unhealthy fiscal situation due to large deficits and increased funding needs for priority programs like MBG and to avoid excessive pressure on government debt.

However, he cautioned that the policy must be implemented carefully to avoid reducing the national economy’s long-term capacity. 

“What’s more important is ensuring that every rupiah of the available budget is used optimally to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” he concluded.

Author: Jelita Agustine  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson  

Post-editor: Lintang

Photo: Media Indonesia

Artikel UGM Economist Assesses the Economic Impact of National Budget Cuts pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-economist-assesses-the-economic-impact-of-national-budget-cuts/feed/ 0
UGM Expert Suggests Maintaining Parliamentary Threshold to Ensure DPR’s Effectiveness https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-expert-suggests-maintaining-parliamentary-threshold-to-ensure-dprs-effectiveness/ https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-expert-suggests-maintaining-parliamentary-threshold-to-ensure-dprs-effectiveness/#respond Thu, 06 Feb 2025 03:27:01 +0000 https://ugm.ac.id/?p=75620 Following the Constitutional Court’s (MK) decision to abolish the presidential candidacy threshold, the debate over removing the parliamentary threshold has sparked both pros and cons.  Some believe removing the threshold would ensure representation for all parties in parliament. Meanwhile, others, including those in the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), argue that having more parties could […]

Artikel UGM Expert Suggests Maintaining Parliamentary Threshold to Ensure DPR’s Effectiveness pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
Following the Constitutional Court’s (MK) decision to abolish the presidential candidacy threshold, the debate over removing the parliamentary threshold has sparked both pros and cons. 

Some believe removing the threshold would ensure representation for all parties in parliament.

Meanwhile, others, including those in the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), argue that having more parties could negatively affect the effectiveness of parliamentary work.

Alfath Bagus Panuntun, an expert on politics and government from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), highlighted that the debate centers on two main aspects: democratic inclusivity and government effectiveness.

Panuntun explained that proponents of removing the threshold argue that the votes of smaller parties that fail to reach the 4% threshold are wasted and left unrepresented in parliament. 

“If we calculate it, the votes discarded from smaller parties could reach a significant percentage,” he said on Wednesday, Feb 5, 2025.

On the other hand, Panuntun acknowledged the concerns of those in the DPR who opposed the removal. 

He noted that a higher number of parties would make managing diverse political interests more challenging, potentially affecting the effectiveness of DPR operations. 

“More parties would increase the workload related to faction management, task distribution, and overall DPR performance,” he explained.

Panuntun pointed out that the 4% threshold is not arbitrary but a compromise between democratic inclusivity and government effectiveness. 

“Previously, the threshold was 3.5%, but it was raised to 4% in the 2017 Electoral Law revision. This figure aims to balance political representation with governmental stability,” he said.

He argued that maintaining or even increasing the parliamentary threshold could help clarify party ideologies. 

“With a higher threshold, political parties need to have clear ideologies and programs. Otherwise, it becomes difficult to differentiate one party from another,” Panuntun added.

However, Panuntun noted that the general public does not place much importance on the threshold itself. 

“What matters is that the DPR functions properly, remains open to criticism, and genuinely works for the people,” he stated.

He emphasized that the DPR’s effectiveness should be a top priority. 

The legislative process and government oversight could run more smoothly with fewer, more structured parties. 

“We must avoid a situation where the system serves the interests of politicians rather than the people,” he stressed.

In conclusion, Panuntun reiterated that every policy has its pros and cons. 

However, in the context of Indonesia, he believes it is better to maintain or even raise the parliamentary threshold to improve government effectiveness. 

“This policy should be based on the current needs of the public. If we want an effective DPR, then the current threshold should be maintained or increased,” he concluded.

Author: Rahma Khoirunnisa  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson  

Post-editor: Lintang

Photographs by: Donnie and Kompas

Artikel UGM Expert Suggests Maintaining Parliamentary Threshold to Ensure DPR’s Effectiveness pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-expert-suggests-maintaining-parliamentary-threshold-to-ensure-dprs-effectiveness/feed/ 0
Free Meal Program and Budget Efficiency Should Not Come at People’s Expense https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/free-meal-program-and-budget-efficiency-should-not-come-at-peoples-expense/ https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/free-meal-program-and-budget-efficiency-should-not-come-at-peoples-expense/#respond Wed, 05 Feb 2025 04:23:06 +0000 https://ugm.ac.id/?p=75504 President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship initiative, the free nutritious meals program, began in January and has drawn attention due to various implementation challenges across regions.  Issues have arisen regarding budget allocation, menu choices, and the readiness of catering providers.  Addressing these concerns, Dr. Revrisond Baswir, a senior economist from UGM’s Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB […]

Artikel Free Meal Program and Budget Efficiency Should Not Come at People’s Expense pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship initiative, the free nutritious meals program, began in January and has drawn attention due to various implementation challenges across regions. 

Issues have arisen regarding budget allocation, menu choices, and the readiness of catering providers. 

Addressing these concerns, Dr. Revrisond Baswir, a senior economist from UGM’s Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM), stated that this program is an extraordinary breakthrough that should have been started long ago. 

“The nutritious meal program is an extraordinary breakthrough in my view. Why? Because it asserts that the essence of development is human development,” he said during an interview at his home on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.

Dr. Baswir further explained that development should not be separated from people, as many often think that development and people are unrelated.

But in reality, they go hand in hand and influence each other.

From an economic standpoint, Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia clearly mandates that the nation carry out what is referred to as economic democratization.

Therefore, the people should be positioned as subjects, not merely objects, within the Indonesian economy. 

Operationally, this means that people as subjects must have access to means of production and capital to support economic growth. 

“In Indonesia, it’s not enough for the people to just be workers,” he clarified.

Dr. Baswir identified three types of capital that people should possess:  intellectual, institutional, and material capital. 

These should be fulfilled sequentially, starting with intellectual capital, which can be cultivated through the nutritious meal program. 

Furthermore, he added, this program can empower people, especially those in regions outside the capital. Indonesia’s varied regional conditions cannot be treated the same.

Dr. Baswir believes that the free nutritious meals program can lead to decentralization, where local governments manage the program based on their region’s specific conditions. 

This would allow the circulation of money to stay within the regions, helping to balance the local economy. 

Additionally, this opens up opportunities to empower local communities by recruiting people through cooperation, volunteerism, and various job opportunities related to the program. 

However, he emphasized that this program should not burden the people or local budgets. 

“Don’t just shift the responsibility to the regions because (they) don’t have the funds. The program is significant, and some are worried—what is the maximum allocation limit?” Dr. Baswir asked.

The economist, who is also the former head of UGM’s Center for People’s Economy Studies, urged the government to save money, avoid wastefulness, and be more selective in spending. 

The government should find ways to increase revenue to fund the program without resorting to borrowing or cutting other budget areas that would burden the people. 

“The people should not become the victims. The challenge is to provide nutritious meals at an affordable cost,” he added.

One cost-saving measure the government could take is dissolving unnecessary institutions, particularly within the government. 

He said many of these institutions are not essential but continue to receive funding that could be better allocated to this program.

Finally, he reminded the public that sovereignty lies in the hands of the people. Citizens should not remain passive about government policies, as their voices are essential in a country that belongs to them. 

“People often feel like beggars in the economic field, but it’s their right. This program is part of their basic human rights, not just political and social rights,” he emphasized.

According to him, the program is not an act of government charity but rather a fulfillment of the people’s basic human rights. Therefore, he hopes that the people will become more aware of their role and actively participate by voicing their opinions and ideas.

Author: Leony  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson  

Post-editor: Lintang

Photographs by: Jelita

Artikel Free Meal Program and Budget Efficiency Should Not Come at People’s Expense pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/free-meal-program-and-budget-efficiency-should-not-come-at-peoples-expense/feed/ 0
UGM Expert: Malaysian Authorities’ Shooting of Indonesian Migrants Violates Human Rights https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-expert-malaysian-authorities-shooting-of-indonesian-migrants-violates-human-rights/ https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-expert-malaysian-authorities-shooting-of-indonesian-migrants-violates-human-rights/#respond Wed, 05 Feb 2025 03:42:44 +0000 https://ugm.ac.id/?p=75494 The shooting of five Indonesian irregular migrant workers in Malaysia in the past week has sparked public concern. Of the five victims, one has died.  This incident raises major questions regarding human rights protection and the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia. International human rights observer Professor Dafri Agussalim from the UGM Faculty of Social […]

Artikel UGM Expert: Malaysian Authorities’ Shooting of Indonesian Migrants Violates Human Rights pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
The shooting of five Indonesian irregular migrant workers in Malaysia in the past week has sparked public concern. Of the five victims, one has died. 

This incident raises major questions regarding human rights protection and the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia.

International human rights observer Professor Dafri Agussalim from the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM) considered the Malaysian authorities’ actions in this incident excessive and violated international human rights law. 

“The actions of the Malaysian authorities can be categorized as a violation of international law, especially regarding human rights,” he said on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.

Regarding the steps Indonesia must take, Professor Agussalim emphasized that the government should not stop at merely filing an official protest with Malaysia but also carry out systemic improvements at home. 

“This should not only end with compensation and punishment later on. Beyond that, both countries need to revisit the mechanisms for protecting migrant workers to ensure that similar incidents do not continue to occur,” he said. 

He also highlighted the importance of revising and enforcing bilateral agreements regarding the protection of Indonesian workers in Malaysia. 

According to him, there are ASEAN-level protocols that regulate migrant worker protection, but their implementation has been far from ideal. 

“Many regulations are already in place but are not effectively enforced in practice. This issue should prompt Indonesia to seriously reflect on how it handles illegal migration flows,” he said.

Professor Agussalim urged that the resolution of this case should not be partial but instead approached systematically, covering legal, economic, and social aspects. 

The country cannot just press Malaysia without addressing its own internal issues. 

With this incident, Indonesia faces a major task—demanding justice for the victims, reforming labor policies, and strengthening protections for migrant workers to prevent such tragedies from recurring. 

“This is not just a shooting case but a major issue reflecting a systemic failure in managing Indonesia’s workforce. Eradicate this crime at its roots and establish clear bilateral relations capable of protecting citizens,” he explained.

He noted that the phenomenon of illegal migrant workers entering Malaysia is not solely due to Malaysian policies but also stems from a combination of factors, namely push factors from within Indonesia and pull factors from the destination country. 

“One of the main factors is the Indonesian government’s failure to provide adequate employment opportunities. If there were jobs in Indonesia with decent wages, people would not take such great risks by working illegally abroad,” he stressed.

On the other hand, Malaysia attracts migrant workers because it offers higher wages than Indonesia. 

This situation is worsened by the role of brokers and labor trafficking syndicates, which act as an intermediary or third factor in the chain of illegal migration. 

“This is a crime that has long been known. However, there are indications of state neglect or ignorance,” he said.

According to Professor Agussalim, irregular migrant workers often fall into illegal recruitment schemes. 

They are promised decent jobs but must pay a significant amount to brokers in both Indonesia and Malaysia. 

“This business chain is very long, with many parties profiting from the situation. Unfortunately, to date, Indonesia has not shown firmness in dealing with these broker networks,” he explained.

He emphasized that the Indonesian government cannot simply react after a shooting occurs. 

Efforts to prevent and take action against networks that traffic Indonesian citizens are still weak and need to be eradicated.

In addition, he highlighted the government’s role in enforcing laws and protecting its citizens. 

He compared it with other countries that manage their labor force more effectively so that their citizens do not need to seek risky employment abroad. 

“Have we ever heard of citizens from neighboring countries like Australia or Singapore having to work illegally in other countries? No. That’s because their governments are able to provide decent jobs for their citizens. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, migrant workers are often called ‘foreign exchange heroes,’ when in fact it should be the state’s responsibility to ensure their welfare,” he stressed.

As reported, the shooting of five Indonesian migrant workers was carried out by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency in the waters of Tanjung Rhu, Selangor, Malaysia, on Jan. 24. 

The workers were attempting to leave Malaysia by boat.

Author: Bolivia Rahmawati

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Lintang

Photo: Freepik

Artikel UGM Expert: Malaysian Authorities’ Shooting of Indonesian Migrants Violates Human Rights pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-expert-malaysian-authorities-shooting-of-indonesian-migrants-violates-human-rights/feed/ 0
Government’s LPG Retail Sale Ban Harmful to Small Traders, UGM Economist Says https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/governments-lpg-retail-sale-ban-harmful-to-small-traders-ugm-economist-says/ https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/governments-lpg-retail-sale-ban-harmful-to-small-traders-ugm-economist-says/#respond Tue, 04 Feb 2025 02:58:46 +0000 https://ugm.ac.id/?p=75392 Since Feb. 1, 2025, the government has officially prohibited the sale of subsidized 3-kilogram Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) canisters at retailers. The 3-kg gas may only be sold at Pertamina’s official distribution points.  Retailers wishing to continue selling the subsidized LPG must change their status to a distribution point or Pertamina’s official distributor, with a […]

Artikel Government’s LPG Retail Sale Ban Harmful to Small Traders, UGM Economist Says pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
Since Feb. 1, 2025, the government has officially prohibited the sale of subsidized 3-kilogram Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) canisters at retailers. The 3-kg gas may only be sold at Pertamina’s official distribution points. 

Retailers wishing to continue selling the subsidized LPG must change their status to a distribution point or Pertamina’s official distributor, with a one-month deadline.

UGM economist Dr. Fahmy Radhi criticized Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia’s policy, calling it a blunder.

On the contrary, the policy could harm small traders by making it more difficult for consumers to obtain the LPG, which goes against President Prabowo’s commitment to support small people. 

“Retailers have been small traders and small shops earning a living by selling the 3-kg LPG. The ban on retailers selling it will put them out of business,” he said at the UGM campus on Feb. 3, 2025. 

As a result of the ban, grassroots entrepreneurs lose their income. They revert to unemployment and fall back into poverty. 

These small businesses can’t change their status to a distribution point or official Pertamina distributor, as purchasing 3-kg LPG canisters in bulk requires a substantial investment. 

“This policy is also troublesome for consumers, most of whom are poor, as they will have to travel far to buy the subsidized LPG at distribution points,” he explained.

Dr. Radhi reiterated that the ban goes against President Prabowo’s commitment to supporting low-income people, both grassroots entrepreneurs and consumers, the majority of whom are impoverished. 

This policy harms grassroots traders and must be revoked as it burdens the poor. 

“The policy to ban retailers from selling 3-kg LPG must be canceled. Prabowo must reprimand Bahlil for this blunder so that similar policies do not happen again,” he urged.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Lintang

Photo: Harian Jogja

Artikel Government’s LPG Retail Sale Ban Harmful to Small Traders, UGM Economist Says pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/governments-lpg-retail-sale-ban-harmful-to-small-traders-ugm-economist-says/feed/ 0
UGM Experts Call for Economic and Democratic Reforms in Indonesia’s New Government https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-experts-call-for-economic-and-democratic-reforms-in-indonesias-new-government/ https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-experts-call-for-economic-and-democratic-reforms-in-indonesias-new-government/#respond Tue, 04 Feb 2025 01:33:36 +0000 https://ugm.ac.id/?p=75380 UGM economist Dr. Dumairy stated that it is still too early to subjectively assess the economic performance of the Red and White Cabinet, as not all of the current cabinet’s programs are new initiatives.  Some of the ongoing programs were inherited from the previous cabinet, the 2019-2024 Onward Indonesia Cabinet.  “It’s not easy (to implement […]

Artikel UGM Experts Call for Economic and Democratic Reforms in Indonesia’s New Government pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
UGM economist Dr. Dumairy stated that it is still too early to subjectively assess the economic performance of the Red and White Cabinet, as not all of the current cabinet’s programs are new initiatives. 

Some of the ongoing programs were inherited from the previous cabinet, the 2019-2024 Onward Indonesia Cabinet. 

“It’s not easy (to implement inherited programs) because not all of them are Prabowo-Gibran’s initiatives,” he said during a discussion organized by UGM’s Center for People’s Economy Studies titled ‘Predictions for the Future of Economic and Political Democracy in the New Government’ at UGM’s Inter-University Center (PAU) Building, UGM Graduate School, Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

The 2025 economic development targets are expected to reduce extreme poverty. Unemployment rates are also targeted to decrease while the human capital index rises. 

Dr. Dumairy believes that economic growth and equitable income distribution must accompany these development targets for them to be achieved. 

“Economic development priorities must be paired with economic growth. However, the current situation shows that growth priorities are less constitutional,” Dr. Dumairy remarked.

He suggested that Indonesia’s economic development should emphasize nationalistic principles, with the government able to reorganize control over economic resources such as mining and land. 

Additionally, downstream processing schemes can be made more inclusive so that the public can also benefit from the results. 

“The people must reap the benefits,” he said.

UGM political sociologist Dr. Arie Sujito highlighted that the government has yet to seriously address the performance of Indonesia’s national health insurance BPJS Kesehatan. 

Therefore, reform in the healthcare service system is needed to address inequities in claims and ensure more efficient management. 

“There should be no injustice in the healthcare system,” he stressed.

Furthermore, Dr. Sujito pointed out that education’s high cost makes it difficult for the public to access it, while inadequate budget allocations only exacerbate the situation of human resource development in the country. 

Universities, as educational institutions, should focus on improving the quality of education rather than engaging in projects that may lead to conflicts of interest, such as involvement in mining activities. 

“Excessive democratization in education could lead to inter-campus competition over mining, creating traps in the future,” he said.

However, Dr. Sujito remains optimistic that this situation can be managed if society, particularly students, consolidates to push for change. 

If people become complacent with the current conditions, economic transformation and political democracy will be difficult to achieve. 

Conversely, a student movement with strong consolidation will drive democratic transformation, as seen when students protested to demand the cancellation of the 12% VAT. 

“I believe students can be potential agents in supporting democratic transformation,” he concluded.

Author: Tiefany  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson  

Post-editor: Lintang

Photo: Freepik

Artikel UGM Experts Call for Economic and Democratic Reforms in Indonesia’s New Government pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-experts-call-for-economic-and-democratic-reforms-in-indonesias-new-government/feed/ 0
Rip Currents Continue to Claim Lives, UGM Expert Shares Key Warning Signs https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/rip-currents-continue-to-claim-lives-ugm-expert-shares-key-warning-signs/ https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/rip-currents-continue-to-claim-lives-ugm-expert-shares-key-warning-signs/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2025 03:29:30 +0000 https://ugm.ac.id/?p=75490 The tragic incident that occurred to several students from Mojokerto, who were swept away by waves at Drini Beach on Wednesday (Jan. 29), claimed lives.  The incident began when several students were playing in the water and ended up near the rip current area.  The victims were located in a gap between coral reefs, which […]

Artikel Rip Currents Continue to Claim Lives, UGM Expert Shares Key Warning Signs pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
The tragic incident that occurred to several students from Mojokerto, who were swept away by waves at Drini Beach on Wednesday (Jan. 29), claimed lives. 

The incident began when several students were playing in the water and ended up near the rip current area. 

The victims were located in a gap between coral reefs, which is often used as a route for boats. This event happened when wave conditions and tide levels were high enough to form a rip current.

Rip currents are narrow but powerful water streams, usually perpendicular from the shoreline towards the sea. 

These currents form when incoming waves break near the shore, creating a feeder current. The energy is reflected back towards the sea, and several feeder currents accumulate into a strong “channel” of water that flows back out to sea.

Lecturer at the UGM Vocational College (SV UGM) Hendi Fachturohman stated that, based on his previous research, the Drini Beach area does indeed have a persistent rip current. 

“This type of persistent rip current can appear at certain times when wave conditions are sufficient,” said the man, who is currently pursuing his studies in the UK, via phone on Friday (Jan. 31).

Fachturohman added that the formation of rip currents is influenced by hydrodynamic conditions, such as waves and tides, as well as the bathymetric conditions or the depth of the seabed. 

Hard structures like cliffs can also contribute to the formation of rip currents, as they reflect incoming waves. 

However, rip currents can be either stationary or shifting, depending on the seabed’s morphology when the rip current forms. 

“Increased wave activity can also strengthen rip currents as they generate more powerful feeder currents,” he explained.

To prevent further casualties, Fachturohman shared tips on recognizing several signs that can help identify the presence of a rip current. The easiest sign to recognize is the absence of foam after the waves break. 

If the waves do not break and the water surface appears calm without foam or ripples, it actually indicates a hazardous reverse current. 

“Most importantly, if you can’t swim, never go too far into the sea, and always follow the safety warnings from the authorities,” he advised.

If caught in a rip current, swimming to the right or left side is recommended. Then, swim along with the rip current until you exit the channel when the rip current breaks apart, making it easier to swim back to shore. 

This approach is better than fighting the current, which would be very difficult and drain a lot of energy. 

“During rip current conditions, victims often lose energy because they try to fight the current,” he explained.

In terms of mitigation and visitor education, Fachturohman believes that all stakeholders need to come together to formulate safer tourism management. 

The government should support efforts by paying more attention to mitigation in coastal areas for rip currents and other disaster threats. 

Additionally, tourism managers are expected to prioritize visitor safety and security and actively engage in education and outreach. 

“Tourists should also take the initiative to seek out information on what to do and avoid when visiting the beach. Above all, follow the instructions from the authorities,” he said.

According to Fachturohman, many educational media and methods can be used to raise public awareness about rip currents. Access to information is now very easy. 

“As researchers, we have also made efforts to convey various mitigation methods in collaboration with various media,” he said.

Moreover, tour leaders or parties involved in the tourism sector can also convey information about rip currents. 

“Study tours are actually a perfect opportunity to educate about such matters, providing a learning process in the field,” he concluded.

Author: Jelita Agustine

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photo: X account @darmadi084

Artikel Rip Currents Continue to Claim Lives, UGM Expert Shares Key Warning Signs pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

]]>
https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/rip-currents-continue-to-claim-lives-ugm-expert-shares-key-warning-signs/feed/ 0