Religion - Indonesia at Melbourne

Talking Indonesia: the papal visit

In this week's episode Jemma chats with Bagus Laksana, the Rector of Sanata Dharma University in Yogyakarta. He is the author of 'Muslim and Catholic Pilgrimage Practices: Explorations Through Java'.

Obituary: Romo Benny, Indonesia’s meddlesome priest, dies at 55

Obituary, Religion

“Religion is being used as an instrument of power in Indonesia, manipulated by the State and big business. Politicians are continuing to use religion for their own ends and consequently risking harmony.” The words are those of Antonius Benny Susetyo, best known as Romo (Father) Benny and probably the most recognisable Catholic priest in Muslim-majority Indonesia.

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

Environment, Religion, Society

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?

Posted in: Religion