Society 11 - Indonesia at Melbourne

Do Indonesians still care about human rights?

2019 Indonesian Elections, Human Rights, Society

Going by the first presidential debate on 20 January, neither candidate feels that the electorate cares much about human rights. Dr Robertus Robet and Dr Alfindra Primaldhi present survey results suggesting that Indonesians do believe human rights are important – but acceptance of rights has its limits.

Is Grace Natalie the next Ahok?

2019 Indonesian Elections, Human Rights, Politics, Religion, Society

Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) head Grace Natalie has been accused of blasphemy for remarks she made on shari'a-inspired local regulations. Is there now no room for non-Muslims to comment on religion in public? Daniel Peterson examines the case against her.

Talking Indonesia: Islamic youth movements

Politics, Religion, Society, Talking Indonesia

In Talking Indonesia this week, Dr Charlotte Setijadi chats to Dr Quinton Temby about what the youth-focused revivalist movement Pemuda Hijrah and other groups like it can tell us about the type of Islam that appeals to young Indonesian Muslims.

Indonesian football: a matter of life and death

Analysis, Society

The brutal death of Persija supporter Haringga Sirla at the hands of rival Persib supporters in September attracted national and international attention. But two months on, has anything been done to prevent further violence? Dr Andy Fuller looks at the problems plaguing Indonesian domestic football.

Is education reform finally paying off for Indonesian kids?

Analysis, Economy, Education, Policy in Focus, Society

How much do parents’ education levels affect the schooling of their children? Senza Arsendy presents the results of a recent study showing that despite concerns over the impact of growing economic inequality, educational mobility increased from 1997 to 2015.

The Soeharto family: where are they now?

20 Years After Soeharto, Economy, Explainer, Politics, Society

President Soeharto left office in 1998 amid public fury about the special treatment given to his six children. Dr Helen Pausacker writes that in the 20 years since, Soeharto's children have seen their influence decline, but continue to live prosperous lives and have made several attempts to launch political careers of their own.

Talking Indonesia: 20 years after Soeharto

20 Years After Soeharto, Human Rights, Politics, Society, Talking Indonesia

What have been the key achievements of the reform movement that toppled Soeharto, what are the key obstacles to further reform, and what lies ahead for Indonesia over the next 10 years? Senior human rights activist Usman Hamid reflects on 20 years of reform with Dr Dave McRae in the latest episode of Talking Indonesia.

Could violence against the ethnic Chinese in Indonesia happen again?

20 Years After Soeharto, Analysis, History, Politics, Society

This month marks 20 years since the riots and violence that erupted in cities including Jakarta, Medan and Solo, and mainly targeted Indonesia's ethnic Chinese population. In light of the recent surge in anti-Chinese sentiment in Indonesia, Dr Jemma Purdey questions whether violence like that of May 1998 could happen again.

20 years after Soeharto

20 Years After Soeharto, Analysis, Human Rights, Politics, Society

21 May marks 20 years since Soeharto stepped down, ending 32 years of authoritarian rule under the New Order, and setting off a major process of democratic reform. Indonesia at Melbourne is publishing a range of commentary and interviews reflecting on the reform process and what lies ahead for Indonesia.

Posted in: Society