Farewell Arswendo Atmowiloto
Religion, SocietyRevered 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, ReligionDespite 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 IndonesiaWhat 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.
Is MUI beyond reform? Don't be so sure
Analysis, ReligionIf MUI is here to stay, what can be done to ensure it plays a more productive role in Indonesian democracy? Ibnu Nadzir looks at the possibilities for reforming the body.
Photo essay: women march in face of anti-feminist backlash
Analysis, Gender, Religion, SocietyFollowing their post on the recent International Women’s Day march, Dr Monika Winarnita and Gavin Height report on the Women’s March Jakarta, which saw even greater numbers turn out for action against sexual violence.
Talking Indonesia: anti-feminism
2019 Indonesian Elections, Gender, Politics, Religion, Talking IndonesiaWho are the women at the forefront of the new wave of conservative female activism? What motivates them and what are their main goals and strategies? Dr Dirk Tomsa chats to Dyah Ayu Kartika in the latest episode of the Talking Indonesia podcast.
Rejecting elections: warning signs of a dangerous trend in Bima
2019 Indonesian Elections, Elections, Policy in Focus, Politics, Religion, Security, SocietyWhile former Muslim militants swap bullets for ballots in Central Sulawesi, a community in West Nusa Tenggara appears to be going the other way, write Ihsan Ali-Fauzi, Irsyad Rafsadie and Siswo Mulyartono.
Ballots not bullets: former Muslim militants turn to politics in Poso
2019 Indonesian Elections, Policy in Focus, Political parties, Politics, Religion, SecurityFormer militia and released terrorists have turned to democratic means to advance their agenda in Central Sulawesi, write Ihsan Ali-Fauzi, Irsyad Rafsadie and Siswo Mulyartono.
The presidential election: communism vs caliphate?
2019 Indonesian Elections, Analysis, Elections, Politics, ReligionOver recent weeks, supporters of both President Joko Widodo and his opponent, Prabowo Subianto, have attempted to frame the contest as an ideological battle between communism and a caliphate. This is far too simplistic, writes Dr Nadirsyah Hosen.