Identity politics: mobilising religious sentiment in democratic Indonesia
Analysis, Elections, Politics, ReligionThe recent Jakarta gubernatorial election saw the mobilisation of religious sentiment on a massive scale. Postgraduate students Abdil Mughis Mudhoffir, Lukman-nul Hakim and Diatyka Widya Permata Yasih look at the growing use of identity politics in Indonesian electoral democracy.
Charges and counter-charges threaten Indonesian democracy
Analysis, Law, PoliticsThe fiercely contested Jakarta gubernatorial election has given rise to a cycle of charges and counter-charges between the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) and its opponents. Abdil Mughis Mudhoffir and Rafiqa Qurrata Ayun write that this politicisation of criminal justice is doing serious damage to the rule of law.
Fahri Hamzah’s dismissal from PKS reveals the trials of opposition in Indonesia
Analysis, Political partiesLuqman-nul Hakim recently argued that the dismissal of Fahri Hamzah from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) indicated that the party was returning to its ideological roots. But Abdil Mughis Mudhoffir and Andi Rahman Alamsyah contend that the party's recent political manoeuvres suggest it will continue to favour a pragmatic approach. It will need to because of its weak position in politics.