Arts - Indonesia at Melbourne

Since the 1970s, Indonesian politicians have used dangdut music as a tool to attract a crowd. Dangdut politics in 2024 is shaping up as a generational contest. The so-called King of Dangdut, Rhoma Irama, will be there again. But a wave of social media savvy dangdut stars will also make their mark.

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Why horror films are dominating the Indonesian box office

Arts, Media

2022 was a banner year at the Indonesian box office. While home-grown horror has been a hit with audiences, adapting other genres for the Indonesian market has proven difficult.

Talking Indonesia: literature in translation

Arts, Talking Indonesia

What does the future look like for Indonesian literature in translation? In Talking Indonesia this week, Dr Jemma Purdey chats to award-winning translator of Indonesian fiction Tiffany Tsao.

Foreign influencers in Indonesia: love of the country or a ploy for popularity?

Arts, Media, Society, Top Stories

What is behind the growing number of foreign influencers producing content about Indonesia?

Best of 2022

Arts, Economy, Elections, Foreign Policy, Gender, Human Rights, Law, Media, Politics, Society, Talking Indonesia, Top Stories

Indonesia at Melbourne will again be taking a short break over the New Year period. Here we present the articles and episodes that attracted your attention in 2022. We look forward to seeing you again in early 2023!

Can Indonesian cultural products rival the Korean Wave?

Arts, Society, Top Stories

Sandiaga Uno recently encouraged Indonesians to consume less Korean television and music in favour of local arts and cultural products. Many are sceptical.

Dangdut koplo takes centre stage

Arts, Society

The recent performance of a dangdut koplo song at the Presidential Palace was an important acknowledgement of an often-maligned musical genre.

Talking Indonesia: art and offence

Arts, Talking Indonesia

Why was prominent Indonesian art collective Taring Padi accused of antisemitism at a major international exhibition? Dr Jemma Purdey chats to Dr Wulan Dirgantoro and Dr Elly Kent in Talking Indonesia.

Penyalin Cahaya and the economy of feminist films

Arts, Gender, Top Stories

The growing commodification of feminist issues in Indonesia means that while some films may advance feminist themes, this is no guarantee that the filmmakers involved genuinely support gender equality.

Posted in: Arts

How will Indonesia’s dangdut stars shape the 2024 election?