The 2024 hajj quota controversy is far more than a question of numbers. It exposes the fragile line between lawful discretion and unlawful deviation in Indonesia’s bureaucracy.

In Indonesia’s villages and small towns, a growing phenomenon is reshaping the public soundscape. Known as sound horeg—a colloquial term for ultra-loud mobile sound systems—these setups often feature towering stacks of homemade speakers, roaring subwoofers, and music blasted well into the night. They accompany everything from weddings to street parades, religious processions and secular celebrations.

On the evening of October 20, President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia revealed his first cabinet after officially taking office that day, succeeding Joko "Jokowi" Widodo. It is the largest cabinet Indonesia has had  since 1966.

Electoral processes are inherently competitive. But can a democratic system be too competitive? Indonesia’s current open list electoral system not only requires candidates to compete against candidates from different political parties – but also those from their own party.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to Indonesia was a good sign for the implementation of Australia's free trade agreement with Indonesia. But there is still a lot of work to do.

Nadirsyah Hosen and Jeremy J Kingsley look at the debate over the Pancasila guidelines bill and argue that one of Pancasila's main strengths is its ambiguity.

Dr Nadirsyah Hosen, Dr Jeremy J Kingsley and Professor Tim Lindsey write that the so-called “omnibus bill” on job creation has been misnamed – it is basically about making life easier for big business.

It is overly simplistic to label those who defy recommendations on physical distancing to worship at mosques, churches and temples as radicals or extremists, writes Dr Nadirsyah Hosen.