Religion - Indonesia at Melbourne

Beyond religious tolerance: What the Pope’s visit really means for Indonesia

There is debate about Pope Francis’ stance in many different areas, and criticisms too. But, so far, he has been a pope who very clearly emphasises social justice and environmental sustainability as means of caring for the poor in his messages.

Religious coal rush: Why do Indonesian Muslim leaders accept coal mining concessions?

Analysis, Policies, Religion, Society

Elites within NU and Muhammadiyah have faced criticism from their members for accepting the coal mining concessions, and a new ideological battle has opened up between progressive and conservative elements in the two organisations.

NU’s gambit with coal: What’s really at stake?

Environment, Religion

The controversial policy of the outgoing Joko “Jokowi” Widodo government to grant coal mining concessions to Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) — Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization — is posing a serious threat to the country’s efforts in the fight against global warming.

Talking Indonesia: jural traditions and minority rights

Law, Religion, Talking Indonesia

How do religious minorities fare under the constitution and blasphemy laws in Indonesia? In this podcast, Elisabeth Kramer talks to Dr Al Khanif about the state of religious rights and freedom of expression, and how jural traditions, the interpretations of laws based on historical and social norms, have made it even more difficult to assert these rights.

Political repentance: can moderates ever forgive Anies?

2024 Indonesian Elections, Politics, Religion

The vice presidential debate on 21 January garnered considerable public attention when Muhaimin Iskandar, the running mate of Anies Baswedan, borrowed the term 'ecological repentance' from Pope Francis. What does this tell us about the dynamics of religious politics in Indonesia?

Talking Indonesia: Indonesian encounters in Israel and Palestine

Foreign Policy, Migration, Religion

Formal diplomatic relations do not exist between Israel and Indonesia so direct interactions between these two peoples are rare. Yet as Indonesia’s expanding middle classes enjoy greater access to international travel, Muslim and Christian Indonesians are increasingly visiting the holy land. Have these encounters shifted the perceptions of these pilgrims about the conflict Israel-Palestine conflict? Jemma Purdey explores this question with anthropologist Mirjam Lücking.

https://ambon.antaranews.com/berita/190443/fakta-menarik-tentang-coldplay

Coldplay controversy: Islamic hardliners driving Indonesian cancel culture

Religion, Society

Religious protesters and police clashed outside the Coldplay concert at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on 16 November. Attempts to cancel public figures are becoming a common occurrence in Indonesia. But what motivates these religious hardliners leading Indonesian cancel culture?

What’s in a name? Terminology for Christian holidays in the spotlight

Policy in Focus, Religion

On 12 September Muhadjir Effendy, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, announced a change in nomenclature for Christian national holidays. The decision was made to adopt the term “Yesus Kristus”, the name of Jesus Christ used by Indonesian Christians, instead of “Isa al-Masih”, the Arabic term used for Jesus in the Qur’an. Although intended to protect Indonesia’s diverse religious traditions, the policy change reflects how easily religious policies can become a point of contestation among Indonesia’s religiously diverse communities.

The PKB-PKS coalition: don’t underestimate a unified Islamic community in 2024

2024 Indonesian Elections, Political parties, Religion

The union of the National Awakening Party (PKB) and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) under the banner of the Anies Baswedan and Muhaimin Amin presidential ticket has defied expectations. It is easy to see PKB and PKS as being at opposite ends of a traditionalist-modernist political spectrum. But when we take a longer view of history we can see these different religious orientations do not always preclude collaboration.

Posted in: Religion