The end of gay social networking apps in Indonesia?
Analysis, Human RightsLast week, the government announced it would seek to ban three gay social networking apps, following the alleged misuse of Grindr in a child prostitution case. Hendri Yulius writes that the bans are representative of the government's struggle to maintain power and authority in the internet era and show that the rapid development of information technology does not necessarily lead to advances in freedom of expression.
Talking Indonesia: indigenous peoples' rights
Human Rights, Talking IndonesiaIndonesia's indigenous peoples face serious challenges, including insecure rights to land and lack of recognition of their traditional religions. How are these issues being addressed, and what regional differences have to be taken into account? Dr Ken Setiawan explores these questions and more with Sandra Moniaga, from Komnas HAM, in the latest Talking Indonesia podcast.
Jokowi's broken human rights promises
Analysis, Human RightsPresident Joko Widodo has already shown signs that human rights will not be a top priority for his government. But as Christian Donny Putranto writes, few of Jokowi’s passionate campaigners would have ever imagined that two years after his election his administration would promote military officials involved in abducting pro-democracy activists to senior positions in security agencies.
The IPT 1965 is a historic moral intervention. Will it finally lead to action?
Analysis, Human RightsLast week, the judges of the International People’s Tribunal 1965 released their final report, finding the Indonesian state responsible for crimes against humanity. But what is the standing of the IPT and what impact might its findings have? Associate Professor Katharine McGregor and Dr Jemma Purdey examine the fallout from the report's release.
Is neglect of Rohingya asylum seekers pushing them to join ISIS?
Analysis, Human RightsMore than a year after 1,000 Rohingya asylum seekers arrived on the shores of North Aceh, few have been resettled in western countries. The fact that many Rohingya are poor and illiterate means they are not considered a priority. Lies Marcoes found that the global indifference to their plight may be driving them to join the Islamic State.
Not allowed to not believe? The troubled place of atheism in Indonesia
Analysis, Human Rights, ReligionAlthough freedom of religion and freedom of expression are guaranteed in the Indonesian Constitution, these guarantees have not been sufficient to protect non-religious expression in the public sphere. Ismail Hasani looks back at the case of Alexander An, jailed for writing "God does not exist" in a Facebook post.
When books become threats: preserving 'public order' in Indonesia
Analysis, Human RightsOver the past couple of weeks, security officials have confiscated books on the 1965 violence and leftist ideas to prevent what they describe as a "reawakening of communism". Hendri Yulius looks at the long history of book banning and book burning in Indonesia and examines what this recent episode means for freedom of expression in the country.
Indonesia takes a small but critical step toward reconciliation
Analysis, Human RightsOn 18-19 April, Indonesia held an unprecedented national symposium to discuss the violence of 1965, involving victims, activists, and government and military officials. Associate Professor Katharine McGregor and Dr Jemma Purdey present a detailed analysis of last week's events.
Talking Indonesia: violence against women
Gender, Human Rights, Talking IndonesiaWhat are the main forms of violence against women in Indonesia, and the key drivers of this violence? What support is available to women suffering violence? In Talking Indonesia this week, Dr Dave McRae explores these questions and more with Yuniyanti Chuzaifah, vice chair of the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan).