Religion 12 - Indonesia at Melbourne

Talking Indonesia: banning extremist groups

What has spurred the government to attempt to ban Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI), what would be the likely impact of such a ban, and what are the challenges for the government in regulating extremist speech and ideology? Dr Dave McRae explores these issues with Sidney Jones, in the latest episode of the Talking Indonesia podcast.

Conviction politics: the jailing of Ahok

Analysis, Law, Politics, Religion

The conviction for blasphemy of former Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama was not a surprise, writes Professor Tim Lindsey. What was surprising was that the judges decided to follow the usual pattern in blasphemy cases when the case before them was so very unusual.

Anti-Ahok protests: why were Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah sidelined?

Analysis, Politics, Religion

The recent protests against Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama saw groups like the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) come to the fore, while mainstream Muslim organisations Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah saw their influence wane. Ahmad Syarif Syechbubakr writes that NU and Muhammadiyah leaders need to rethink their approach.

What does the Jakarta election result mean for the women's movement?

Analysis, Gender, Politics, Religion

Many observers have suggested that the win of Anies Baswedan in the Jakarta gubernatorial election last week has set the stage for the ongoing exploitation of religious and ethnic sentiment in Indonesian politics. According to Dr Dina Afrianty, however, most post-election analyses have failed to consider what the election result means for Indonesian women.

Greg Fealy on former NU leader Hasyim Muzadi (1944-2017)

Religion

On 23 March, Indonesia bid farewell to a giant of Islamic organisation Nahdulatul Ulama (NU), Hasyim Muzadi. Associate Professor Greg Fealy remembers a leader who was a highly competent administrator but one who was always cautious, and indeed conservative, in his pronouncements.

Mainstream Islamic narratives and their divisive consequences

Analysis, Media, Religion

The expansion of the middle class in Indonesia has been accompanied by a rise in Islamic consumerism. Dr Inaya Rakhmani examines dominant narratives in Islamic-themed television programs, writing that the commercialisation of Islam has encouraged ideas and beliefs that aggravate rather than moderate social divisions.

Will religion influence voters’ choices in the Jakarta election?

Analysis, Elections, Politics, Religion

Following the massive rallies against Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama over alleged blasphemy, one might assume that religion was the most important factor influencing the intended voting behaviour of Jakarta residents. But a study conducted by Nathanael Gratias Sumaktoyo demonstrates that it is not as dominant as the recent rallies suggest.

Talking Indonesia: Ahok, race, religion & democracy (part 2)

Politics, Religion, Talking Indonesia

How much is the controversy around Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama related to his ethnicity and religion and how much is it about popular politics in Indonesia today? How has Ahok’s own political style played a part? Dr Jemma Purdey discusses these issues and more with Professor Ariel Heryanto in the latest Talking Indonesia podcast.

Indonesia at Melbourne: 2016 in review

Elections, Foreign Policy, Human Rights, Law, Politics, Public health, Religion, Review

In our final post for 2016, we send off this rather depressing year by taking a look back at some of the expert commentary and analysis published on Indonesia at Melbourne. Thanks again for your loyal readership and support, and we look forward to seeing you again in mid-January.

Posted in: Religion