Society - Indonesia at Melbourne

Talking Indonesia: revitalising Dutch colonial spaces

History, Interview, Society, Talking Indonesia

In this episode, Tito Ambyo speaks with Remco Vermeulen, a PhD candidate at Erasmus University Rotterdam and coordinator of international cooperation in collection management at the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands.

Why the Brazil vs. Elon Musk saga is a red flag for Indonesia’s digital activists

Media, Politics, Society

The Brazil-Musk conflict should be a wake-up call for Indonesian digital activists. The risk of X being blocked is real, and it highlights the fragility of relying on a single, privately owned platform.

Talking Indonesia: starting a startup

Economy, Society, Talking Indonesia

In this podcast, Elisabeth Kramer talks to entrepreneur Sujeet Ramgir, who came to Indonesia from India and went on to start a highly successful Indian food 'cloud kitchen' catering to the Jakarta market.

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

Environment, Religion, Society

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.

Posted in: Society