Security 6 - Indonesia at Melbourne

Time for an Indo-Australis?

The Indo-Pacific is slowly replacing the Asia-Pacific as the dominant security and economic concept in our region. Natalie Sambhi writes that the complex challenges of this vast region should be approached bit by bit, and Australia, India and Indonesia could start by strengthening trilateral cooperation in the region's southwest sector, the "Indo-Australis".

There’s now proof that Soeharto orchestrated the 1965 killings

Analysis, Human Rights, Security

According to official government narratives, the military was forced to step in to save the nation from a coup on 1 October 1965. Drawing on her remarkable new book, Dr Jess Melvin explains how rather than reluctantly stepping in, Soeharto and the military used existing military chains of command to actively seize power.

Talking Indonesia: 20 years of military reform

20 Years After Soeharto, Security, Talking Indonesia

Is the military attempting to return to Indonesian political life? How has the military been able to maintain its centrality in Indonesian society over the decades? Dr Charlotte Setijadi explores these issues and more with Dr Jess Melvin in the latest episode of Talking Indonesia.

The May attacks: is Indonesia facing a new form of terrorism?

Analysis, Security

Over a couple of weeks in early May, Indonesia saw the deadliest spate of terrorist activity since the 2005 Bali bombings. Terrorism researcher Judith Jacob writes that the attacks are consistent with global trends in Islamist militancy but they are also distinctively Indonesian in several important ways.

Terrorism ‘zaman now’: is social media feeding radicalisation?

Analysis, Security

In contrast with many other countries around the world, in Indonesia, social media has yet to play a significant part in the recruitment of new terrorists. It does, however, appear to affect the speed of radicalisation. Terrorism scholar Solahudin presents new research and looks at the reasons why.

Talking Indonesia: disengagement from terrorism

Security, Talking Indonesia

What prompts violent Islamist extremists to turn their backs on violence? What can governments and activists learn from patterns of disengagement? Dr Dirk Tomsa discusses these issues and more with Associate Professor Julie Chernov Hwang in the latest Talking Indonesia podcast.

Indonesia at Melbourne: 2017 in review

Corruption, Death Penalty, Foreign Policy, Gender, Human Rights, Law, Media, Politics, Religion, Review, Security, Society

Indonesia at Melbourne will again be taking a short break over Christmas and New Year. In this final post for 2017, we look back at the analysis and commentary featured on the blog and podcast throughout the year. Thanks again for your loyal readership and support, and we look forward to seeing you again mid-January.

Talking Indonesia: vigilantism

Analysis, Security, Society, Talking Indonesia

How pervasive is vigilante violence in democratic Indonesia? What drives the phenomenon, and how does the state respond when citizens turn to vigilantism? Dr Dave McRae explores these questions and more with Sana Jaffrey in the final Talking Indonesia episode for 2017.

Talking Indonesia: Indonesia as a maritime power