Episode 59: In the Belly of the Beast — A Conversation with Michael Victor Sianipar (Pt. 1)

In this episode, Swedian’s still out because of the U.S. midterm elections, but we’re excited to share with you Stephanie’s conversation with a rising figure in youth politics in Indonesia, Michael Victor Sianipar. Michael is a former aide to Ahok during his time as governor of Jakarta, and Michael’s currently a member of PSI or the Indonesian Solidarity Party, one of the newest political parties in Indonesia with a huge youth following.

This is actually the first of a two-part conversation between Stephanie and Michael; in this first episode, Stephanie talks to Michael about his experience working with Ahok, from the early days of Ahok’s governorship to his prison sentence. They also talk about Michael’s current role as a regional leader in Jakarta local politics through PSI, and Michael also talks about how he got into politics in the first place.

Stay tuned for the second episode of the conversation coming out at the end of the month!

Thanks for listening!

For those interested in learning more about the topic, we’ve provided links to resources as well as other recommended readings.
My Jakarta: Michael Victor Sianipar, Basuki’s Personal Assistant — courtesy of Jakarta Globe
Michael Victor Sianipar, Ketua DPW DKI Jakarta — Michael’s profile as a member of PSI
Ahok’s Trusted Assistant & Indonesian Solidarity Party PSI Member- Michael Sianipar — Michael’s interview on Indonesia In-depth
Former Staffs Publish Untold Stories about Ahok — courtesy of Tempo
Partai Solidaritas Indonesia — the Indonesian Solidarity Party
Do Not Be a Hater, Give a Solution | Media Indonesia — courtesy of Center for Population and Policy Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada
Ahok to finish his term in prison, despite possible August parole — courtesy of The Jakarta Post
 
 
 
MUSIC CREDITS:
SOUL HIGH by RYAN LITTLE
MONTMARTRE by JAHZAAR
NIGHT OWL and THE GREAT by BROKE FOR FREE