Religion 3 - Indonesia at Melbourne

Best of 2019: articles

2019 Indonesian Elections, Analysis, Corruption, Gender, Human Rights, Law, Political parties, Politics, Religion, Society, Urban planning

Indonesia at Melbourne will again be taking a break over the Christmas and New Year period. Here we list the most popular articles, plus a few of our favourites, from 2019. We look forward to seeing you again when we return in mid-January.

The politics of the label 'radical'

Analysis, Politics, Religion, Security, Society

The Indonesian government has recently issued a decree on addressing "radicalism" among civil servants. Kate Grealy warns that vague definitions of radicalism mean there is a risk the policy could be used to silence the government's opponents.

Sign of the times? Indonesia takes the (halal) cake

Analysis, Religion, Society

It was only a matter of time before Indonesia its own controversy around cakes and religious freedom. Dr Stewart Fenwick examines the incident and looks at why it prompted such a strong backlash.

Contemporary Indonesian marriage: who marries whom and why it matters

Analysis, Gender, Religion, Society

Dr Ariane Utomo examines the changing nature of Indonesian marriages, and how considerations of age gap, education, ethnicity and religion play a role in partner choice.

Criminalising the mentally ill: schizophrenic woman to face court for blasphemy

Human Rights, Law, Religion, Society

On 9 October, a schizophrenic woman who brought her dog into a mosque will face trial for alleged blasphemy. Lawyer Barita Lumbanbatu takes a closer look at the case.

Talking Indonesia - women and Islamist extremism

Gender, Religion, Security, Talking Indonesia

Why do women join extremist networks? What roles do they play in these networks? Dr Dirk Tomsa discusses these questions and more with Nava Nuraniyah in the latest episode of Talking Indonesia.

Farewell Arswendo Atmowiloto

Religion, Society

Revered journalist and writer Arswendo Atmowiloto was one of only a handful of people charged with blasphemy under the New Order. Dr Daniel Peterson reflects on his life and views on the problematic Blasphemy Law.

Power for sale: Religious Affairs scandal just scratching the surface

Corruption, Elections, Policy in Focus, Political parties, Politics, Religion

Despite an ongoing battle for reform, corruption runs rampant in Indonesia’s civil service, writes Akhmad Misbakhul Hasan.

Talking Indonesia: the Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI)

Religion, Talking Indonesia

What does the growing influence of the Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI) mean for the future of Indonesian democracy? Dr Dirk Tomsa reflects on this issue and more with Dr Saskia Schäfer in the latest episode of Talking Indonesia.

Posted in: Religion