Prospects for foreign policy, domestic politics and democratization feature in our talk with the distinguished analyst and former advisor to President Habibie and Vice President Boediono, Professor Dewi Fortuna Anwar of the National Research and Innovation Agency (Brin). She extends the 'benefit of the doubt' -- or doubts -- but also highlights risks and concerns. Also: Erin and Kevin discuss the latest, including a major investment pledge by Microsoft for AI tech, talk about expanding coordinating minister posts and the maneuvering ahead of major gubernatorial races in November.

Read Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

To assess the post-election process and anticipate what lies ahead, The head of Michigan University's Center for Emerging Democracies joins Reformasi Dispatch to discuss his new article in the Journal of Democracy. Are expectations of "continuity" valid? Is the electorate prepared for how President‑Elect Prabowo will govern? Professor Slater also touches on trends in Hun Sen's Cambodia. Also: Erin and Kevin discuss PDI‑P's reaction to the Constitutional Court's rejection of electoral disputes, and how the AGO's targeting of an alleged mafia kingpin could prove particularly portentous.

Read Erin's newsletter Dari Mulut Ke Mulut here: https://darimulut.beehiiv.com/

Find Prof Slater's article here: https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/1/article/922832

Medan Mayor Bobby Nasution is seeking to run for governor of Indonesia's fourth-largest province and his father-in-law Joko Widodo appears keen to help -- Reformasi Dispatch examines why. Also: With Lawrence Wong designated as Singapore's next prime minister, the city-state is embarking on a new era - but it might still bear close resemblance to the old... Finally, Erin and Kevin discuss the twin impacts of a higher oil price and a weaker exchange rate on the fiscal outlook and fuel prices.