Society 12 - Indonesia at Melbourne

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.

China’s Confucius Institutes in Indonesia: walking a fine line

Analysis, Education, Foreign Policy, Society

The Chinese state's Confucius Institutes are often depicted as vehicles for expanding Chinese soft power. But as Rika Theo writes, the Indonesian experience demonstrates that the institutes are not simply unidirectional projects imposed on Indonesia from a wealthy partner seeking to expand its influence.

Women's March Jakarta 2018

Gender, Society

On 3 March, hundreds of Indonesian feminists took to the streets in the second Jakarta Women’s March, demanding that the government promote gender equality in law making and public policy and take action to eradicate violence against women. Like similar marches across the globe, the event featured many powerful and humorous signs.

Talking Indonesia: urban youth

Society, Talking Indonesia

More than half of Indonesia’s population is under the age of 30 but little research has been done into the attitudes of the country’s youth. Do they care about social inequality and environmental degradation? How do their consumption patterns reflect their values and aspirations? Dr Charlotte Setijadi discusses these issues and more with Dr Meghan Downes 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.

Meet the Habibs: the Yemen connection in Jakarta politics

Analysis, Politics, Religion, Society

Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab is Indonesia's most prominent 'Habib' – an honorific title given to Islamic scholars who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad. Ahmad Syarif Syechbubakr traces the origins of the Habib in Indonesia and examines their influence over contemporary Jakarta politics.

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