Politics of Marginalisation in Indonesia: The Jokowi Era

Abstract

This special issue critically examines the socio-political and economic impacts of the Joko Widodo (Jokowi) government (2014–2024) on marginalised communities in Indonesia, focusing on the intersection of government policies and local struggles. Despite economic growth, Indonesia has experienced democratic backsliding, characterised by oligarchic influence, weakened institutions, and rising corruption. These challenges have exacerbated the marginalisation of vulnerable groups, particularly in rural and indigenous areas, where top-down development projects have deepened social inequality, land disputes, and environmental degradation. However, the issue also highlights grassroots resistance, with communities engaging in "everyday resistance" and "politics of marginality" to challenge these policies. Case studies include struggles over land in Flores, political-economic turmoil in West Papua, and the challenges faced by rural social movements and people with disabilities. The editorial critiques Jokowi’s developmental policies, questioning their social and ecological consequences while pointing to the resilience of local communities as a crucial counterbalance to elite-driven politics. It calls for further research into these dynamics as Indonesia pursues its "Golden Indonesia 2045" vision.