News about North Korea, one of the most covert nations on earth, always intrigues us. Recent news about the death of Kim Jong-Un--although proven untrue--made us wondering who would be the next leader of this hermit country, how the succession process would be, and above all, what should we expect from it? This article explores the issue and tried to answer the questions.
Read MoreLearning from the cases in Indonesia, the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the national government's clumsiness in dealing with the crisis. The local governments, on the other hand, showed quicker and likely more effective responses in navigating through the hard times. This article illustrates why we should consider giving more prominence to the local governments--particularly on city governance--and starting to prepare better environment and institutions for the cities to thrive.
Read MoreIn terms of the COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea is deemed as leading the fight against the pandemic. South Korea seems to have succeeded in flattening the infection curve, and the country’s mortality rate is relatively lower than other countries, including Indonesia. This article analyzes why South Korea outperformed other countries in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and what Indonesia can learn from it.
Read MoreFemale world leaders have been hailed as “winners” in the battle against COVID-19. But are they? Has COVID-19 just proved that we are in a dire need of more women in leadership positions? This article analyzed what makes women leaders appear to have outperformed their male counterparts in curbing the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether or not female leadership could be a solution in dealing with the crisis.
Read MoreThis article analyzes some measures taken by different countries around the world to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst some measures worked, some others did not. However, it is still important for the Indonesian government to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each measure so they can decide which procedure work best to protect their citizens. Some points that need to be considered are: first, whether or not massive rapid test mechanism is important; second, strong coordination and unity, both on the domestic and international level; third, transparency and strategic budget allocation; fourth, to what extent government could intervene the supply chain of medicine and PPE; and fifth, the importance of information transparency and role of judicial body.
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