Society - Indonesia at Melbourne

Beyond religious tolerance: What the Pope’s visit really means for Indonesia

There is debate about Pope Francis’ stance in many different areas, and criticisms too. But, so far, he has been a pope who very clearly emphasises social justice and environmental sustainability as means of caring for the poor in his messages.

‘Information warriors’ must uphold information integrity in Indonesia

Education, Media, Society

Indonesia urgently needs a clear strategy to respond to the United Nations’ most recent warning about the dangers of ‘information ecosystems’ losing their integrity.

Religious coal rush: Why do Indonesian Muslim leaders accept coal mining concessions?

Analysis, Policies, Religion, Society

Elites within NU and Muhammadiyah have faced criticism from their members for accepting the coal mining concessions, and a new ideological battle has opened up between progressive and conservative elements in the two organisations.

Indonesia's gig workers are living precariously. Can we fix the platform economy?

Economy, Society

The Indonesian gig economy has the potential to be a win-win for both workers and companies, but only if it's built on a foundation of fairness and dignity. Law reform, gig cooperatives and gig unions offer a path towards achieving this balance.

Jakarta’s future is hidden in its kampungs

Society, Urban planning

It took the Dutch until the twentieth century to dig a banjir (flood) canal and it is only recently that another canal was dug to allow rivers to circumvent the city on the other side. Despite this, modern Jakarta still floods. So what is the long-term solution? Whatever approach is taken, part of the solution lies with locals in the kampungs. Small changes by individuals can make a big difference.

Majapahit: the most powerful empire in Asia that most people have never heard of

History, Society

There are signs that modern Indonesian is replicating some of the triumphs of the past. After a blood-soaked first encounter, the Majapahit empire found a way to come to an accommodation with the mighty emperors who ruled China.

Talking Indonesia: marriage migration and intercultural families

Migration, Society, Talking Indonesia

Asian women who are developing relationships with men from Western countries, like Australia, be it through snail mails, online sites or other means, often have to face the stereotype of the ‘subservient woman’. In her new book, anthropologist Emeritus Professor Kathryn Robinson looks at intercultural marriages between Asian women and Australian men.

K-pop and the presidential election: Anies Baswedan riding the Korean Bubble

2024 Indonesian Elections, Media, Society

Social media has become the key battle ground as candidates try to curate and amplify their image with younger voters. Nowhere is this changing online campaign landscape more evident than presidential candidate Anies Baswedan’s recent foray into K-pop fandom through the X (Twitter) account Anies Bubble.

https://ambon.antaranews.com/berita/190443/fakta-menarik-tentang-coldplay

Coldplay controversy: Islamic hardliners driving Indonesian cancel culture

Religion, Society

Religious protesters and police clashed outside the Coldplay concert at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on 16 November. Attempts to cancel public figures are becoming a common occurrence in Indonesia. But what motivates these religious hardliners leading Indonesian cancel culture?

Posted in: Society