Indonesia 2020:Democracy and Economy Threatened by COVID-19 (2021.05)
- Author: Shin Jae Hyeok, Park Hee Kyung
- Publication : The Southeast Asian Review
- Publisher : Korean Association of Southeast Asian Studies
- Volume : 31(2)
- Date : May 2021
Abstract: This paper aims to explain the major issues that have arisen in Indonesia during the year 2020 and analyze their impact on Indonesia’s politics and economy. The damage situation in Indonesia, when COVID-19 hit the world, was serious, and as a result, the people’s disappointment in the Jokowi government was also great. However, President Jokowi prioritized the economy, rather than curbing the spread of the epidemic with strong quarantine measures. He strengthened control over the media, opposition parties, and the people. He also passed an omnibus bill in October to promote investment. Workers started nationwide protests and strikes against the omnibus bill that will reduce protection and benefits for the workers. Local elections were held in December, and many children of incumbent politicians were elected. President Jokowi’s son and son-in-law also won mayoral elections. Meanwhile, Indonesia suffered an economic downturn despite the Jokowi administration’s policy of prioritizing the economy. However, compared to other neighboring countries, the magnitude of economic damage was not significant. In particular, from the second half of the year, foreign direct investment increased sharply.