COVID-19

Leveraging on Soft Power in Indonesia’s Vaccine Diplomacy

Introduction Indonesia’s relatively successful vaccine diplomacy to secure supplies for its citizens signifies the country’s growing soft power at the international stage. Through its various engagements in international forums, the country has managed to publicly shape its own perception as a champion of the developing world by speaking against what it sees as inequality between …

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Indonesia’s Considerable Challenges to be a Major Nursing Exporter Amidst Surplus

Introduction As was highlighted previously, Indonesia is seemingly experiencing a surplus of nurses. Such surpluses should be a blessing for the country with the fourth largest population in the world, especially considering the global shortage of nurses. Unfortunately, the surplus of nurses is due to the limited absorption capacity of the domestic labour market. Consequently, …

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A Need for Nationwide Deradicalization Centres in Indonesia to Curb Rising Terrorist Attacks

Despite the loss of funds due to the pandemic, Indonesian terrorist groups remain motivated to conduct attacks as evident from the recent suicide bombing targeting a Catholic church in Makassar, South Sulawesi. Credit:ANTARA FOTO/Arnas Padda Introduction Indonesian terrorist groups have conducted 11 attacks since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. These attacks resulted in the …

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Malaysia: The Pandemic and Emergency and its Consequences on Parliament and Elections

With the consent from the King, a state of Emergency was declared in Malaysia in 2021. Credit: Bernama Introduction On 12 January 2021, Malaysia’s King, Al-Sultan Abdullah, consented to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s request to declare a state of Emergency throughout the entire country. As it stands, the Emergency is scheduled to last until 1 …

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COVID-19 as a Catalyst for Tele-psychiatry Development in Indonesia

Tele-psychiatry as an ideal replacement of conventional mental health services. Credit: BT Illustration/Simon Ang Introduction While struggling to contain COVID-19 infections, Indonesia like many in the world is facing a “second pandemic.” As a consequence of the pandemic, many Indonesians are suffering from various forms of psychological issues such as anxiety, depression and trauma. Confounding …

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Beyond Vaccines: The Importance of Sustainable Policy in Indonesia after COVID-19

Ensuring a balance between urbanization and care for the environment is one factor that can better prepare us for future pandemics beyond vaccines. Credit: JP/Seto Wardhana Introduction President Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi) recent announcement of Indonesia’s vaccination plan sparked several contradictory effects. Economically, Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) strengthen by 0.07% or IDR 14.080/US$ after the plan was …

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Indonesia’s Ascend to Become the Highest COVID-19 Infected in Southeast Asia

Mosque congregants wearing face masks during Friday prayers in Surabaya in 2020. Credit: AFP/Juni Kriswanto Introduction Surging to 678,125 COVID-19 cases prompted two immediate measures from President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). Such numbers have led to relieving the Health Minister of his appointment and an eventual U-turn to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccine is free for …

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