Indonesia at Melbourne: 2017 in review
Corruption, Death Penalty, Foreign Policy, Gender, Human Rights, Law, Media, Politics, Religion, Review, Security, SocietyIndonesia 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 IndonesiaHow 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
Security, Talking IndonesiaWhat is Indonesia’s maritime vision, and how is the country attempting to realise it? What is the significance of Indonesia renaming part of the South China Sea the North Natuna Sea? Dr Dave McRae explores these issues and more with Dr Arif Havas Oegroseno in Talking Indonesia.
Talking Indonesia: banning extremist groups
Religion, Security, Talking IndonesiaWhat 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.
Military spat a sign of things to come for bilateral relationship?
Analysis, Foreign Policy, SecurityThe exact details of what instigated the recent dispute between the Indonesian and Australian militaries remain unclear. But whatever the cause, Professor Tim Lindsey writes that the bilateral relationship is changing, and this kind of turbulence is likely to become more common.
Talking Indonesia: online extremism
Security, Talking IndonesiaWhat are the most important online tools for pro-ISIL groups in Indonesia, and what do these groups use them for? How do their online activities differ to fellow Indonesian jihadis who oppose ISIL? How can the Indonesian government monitor and counter extremists’ activities online? Dr Dave McRae explores these questions and more with Nava Nuraniyah in the final Talking Indonesia podcast for 2016.
Talking Indonesia: police corruption
Corruption, Security, Talking IndonesiaHow widespread is corruption within the Indonesian police? What power do illicit funds afford the institution? And what are the prospects for reform under President Joko Widodo and new Indonesian Police Chief Tito Karnavian? In Talking Indonesia this week, Dr Dave McRae discusses these issues and more with Dr Jacqui Baker, from Murdoch University.
Bela Negara: thinly veiled militarisation of the civilian population
Analysis, SecurityDefence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu has been out talking up his ministry's Bela Negara program, which apparently aims to inspire a love for the homeland and protect it from "extreme ideologies". But is Bela Negara really about strengthening nationalism, or is it just another attempt to introduce compulsory military service? Bhatara Ibnu Reza takes a look at the program.
Talking Indonesia: the South China Sea
Foreign Policy, Security, Talking IndonesiaThe past month has seen rising tensions in the South China Sea. What are the implications of recent developments for Indonesia, and how can it best respond? Will Indonesia's relations with China be affected? Dr Dave McRae speaks to Dr Makmur Keliat, from the University of Indonesia, about these issues and more in the latest Talking Indonesia podcast.