It is often assumed that Indonesian visual artists began highlighting social and political issues in earnest following the end of authoritarianism in 1998. But to what extent is this assumption correct? In Talking Indonesia this week, Dr Ken Setiawan explores this issue and more with Dr Wulan Dirgantoro from Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore.

After years of obscurity, Indonesian literature is having a moment on the world stage. In Talking Indonesia this week, Dr Ken Setiawan chats to Lily Yulianti Farid about why Indonesian literature has been overlooked for so long, and how community initiatives are helping to promote Indonesian books.

The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (UWRF) was forced on Friday to cancel planned sessions on the 1965 massacre following pressure from local authorities. Dr Ken Setiawan, whose father was imprisoned on Buru Island by the Soeharto regime, reflects on this extraordinary crackdown on freedom of expression.

Wednesday will mark 50 years since the events that triggered the brutal repression of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and its alleged sympathisers. Ken Setiawan writes that while political elites appear to be able to stomach the idea of reconciliation, an apology is far more contested.

The Jakarta government last week forcibly removed residents from Kampung Pulo, on the banks of the Ciliwung River, after they rejected offers of replacement housing. As Dr Ken Setiawan writes, despite having the support of the middle class, the evictions demonstrated a blatant disregard for the rights of the residents.