Religion - Indonesia at Melbourne

Military-cleric alliance may fuel new anti-LGBTQ sentiment in Indonesia

Analysis, Gender, Human Rights, Religion, Security

Whatever political games are at play on this issue, efforts to frame LGBTQ people as a non-military threat and efforts to criminalise sexuality will only open more avenues for persecution, mostly for the underprivileged. It will likely be used as a pretext for security forces to further encroach on people’s privacy. In this scenario, everyone, not just the LGBTQ community, is at risk.

The rise of new Muhammadiyah progressives under Prabowo

Environment, Religion, Society

Unlike JIMM activists, these new progressives advocate social and environmental justice and are heavily critical of Muhammadiyah’s venture into mining.

Nahdlatul Ulama, mining and oligarchs

Analysis, Religion, Society

NU is now facing two grim prospects: first, the possibility of a protracted stalemate in which both sides run competing administrations; and second, that one or both of the opposing parties will take the matter to court, leading to drawn-out and expensive legal proceedings, deepening divisions rather than healing them.

The tip of the iceberg? Preacher’s inappropriate acts expose Indonesia’s weak child protection systems

Analysis, Religion, Society

The government has issued regulations to show its commitment to addressing sexual abuse in religious institutions. Still, its actions are insufficient to meet its stated goals, due to a lack of practical policy implications, inadequate funding, or inconsistent attitudes.

Hajj quota corruption controversy in Indonesia: Here’s what you need to know

Analysis, Explainer, Religion

The 2024 hajj quota controversy is far more than a question of numbers. It exposes the fragile line between lawful discretion and unlawful deviation in Indonesia’s bureaucracy.

Deadly ‘pesantren’ building collapse is a preventable tragedy. Without accountability, it won’t be the last

Law, Policies, Religion, Society

As the dust settles, there are questions about the tragic incident that need answering. How could such a huge construction failure occur? What lessons can be learned to prevent similar incidents in the future? And what are the implications of this disaster for religious education administrators and the general public?

Talking Indonesia: the papal visit

Religion, Talking Indonesia

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