Analysis 11 - Indonesia at Melbourne

Child marriage: Constitutional Court finally ditches religious arguments

The Constitutional Court recently ruled that the current marriageable age of 16 for girls was unconstitutional. Dr Dina Afrianty examines the landmark decision – a remarkably different outcome to the last time the Court heard the issue.

Both candidates land blows in first presidential debate

2019 Indonesian Elections, Analysis, Politics

President Joko Widodo and running mate Ma'ruf Amin squared off against Prabowo Subianto and Sandiaga Uno in the first of five planned presidential debates on 17 January. Dr Dave McRae was watching, and presents his five key takeaways here.

Policing religion? There’s an app for that

Analysis, Law, Policy in Focus, Religion

The new Smart Pakem app is supposed to give the public a safe way to report "deviant" religious practices. But could it trigger persecution and conflict instead? Zainal Abidin Bagir weighs up the implications for religion and rights.

Dirty money, rotten politicians: KPK targets local leaders

Analysis, Corruption, Elections

The number of local politicians arrested for bribery by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) over the past two years has been astonishing. Adnan Topan Husodo writes that the KPK deserves credit for its efforts but a stronger focus on bigger players in Jakarta is needed.

Is higher inequality the new normal for Indonesia?

Analysis, Economy, Policy in Focus

What could the government be doing to reduce inequality? Dr Asep Suryahadi examines the drivers and future of inequality, and suggests that despite government efforts, Indonesia may have to get used to higher levels of inequality.

Indonesian football: a matter of life and death

Analysis, Society

The brutal death of Persija supporter Haringga Sirla at the hands of rival Persib supporters in September attracted national and international attention. But two months on, has anything been done to prevent further violence? Dr Andy Fuller looks at the problems plaguing Indonesian domestic football.

It’s time for Indonesians to say goodbye to the ‘supercrip’

Analysis, Arts, Human Rights, Policy in Focus

Indonesia is still basking in the success of the 2018 Asian Games and Asian Para Games. Slamet Thohari writes that while Indonesia deserves the plaudits it received, the Games also served to highlight outdated attitudes to people with disability.

Is education reform finally paying off for Indonesian kids?

Analysis, Economy, Education, Policy in Focus, Society

How much do parents’ education levels affect the schooling of their children? Senza Arsendy presents the results of a recent study showing that despite concerns over the impact of growing economic inequality, educational mobility increased from 1997 to 2015.

The human cost of Indonesia's Blasphemy Law

Analysis, Human Rights, Law, Religion

Some 23 people have been sentenced under the Blasphemy Law since President Joko Widodo came to power in 2014, including six this year. Andreas Harsono from Human Rights Watch looks at the impact of the law on its victims, such as ethnic Chinese Buddhist Meliana.

Posted in: Analysis