Indonesia's Democratic Backsliding Under Prabowo

Prabowo Subianto, the newly elected President of Indonesia, is accelerating a process of democratic backsliding that began under his predecessor, Joko Widodo. His administration is implementing measures reminiscent of the authoritarian Suharto era, including compromising the independence of institutions like the Indonesia===Corruption Eradication Commission and the Constitutional Court. Prabowo Subianto is also moving to suppress civil society organizations and critics, blaming them for unrest and proposing a new law against disinformation and foreign propaganda. This law could revive media controls, restrict foreign funding for NGOs, and potentially target critics based overseas. These actions are complicating Indonesia's international relations, particularly with Australia, despite recent bilateral security agreements, as concerns grow over freedom of speech and civil liberties.