Posted in: Society

Visual Jalanan: amplifying voices from the urban fringe

Most Indonesian streets appear tired and unloved. But they are also the only truly public spaces in Indonesian cities. Dr Amanda Achmadi profiles Visual Jalanan, an initiative that aims to document the provocative, profound and often silly visual works and activities found on streets across the country.

We're all perverts: sex and perversity in the media

Analysis, Gender, Society

Indonesian reporting on the arrest of so-called celebrity prostitute Nikita Mirzani has been detailed and profuse. Hendri Yulius writes that, whether we like to admit it or not, we all gain a degree of pleasure from reading these highly sexualised reports.

Tisna Sanjaya and the art of snapping and mapping

Arts, Society

Dr Edwin Jurriens profiles the independent Bandung artist Tisna Sanjaya, one of 15 contemporary Indonesian artists presenting work at the Shout! exhibition, part of Multicultural Arts Victoria's Mapping Melbourne festival.

Domestic violence in marriage: tackling the taboo

Analysis, Gender, Society

More than a decade has passed since Indonesia passed legislation on elimination of violence against women in the home. But as Dina Afrianty writes, most women still prefer to escape abusive marriages through divorce, rather than pursue charges against their husbands.

Youth smoking: an un-natural disaster

Analysis, Public health, Society

The recent death of a 27-year-old from laryngeal cancer has highlighted the problem of youth smoking in Indonesia. As Ayu Swandewi writes, the government has much work to do to address the aggressive targeting of young people by tobacco companies.

Rocks in the head: Indonesia's love affair with gemstones

Society

Indonesia has been swept up in a gemstone craze. Enthusiast Houtmand Saragih explains the origins of the trend and why he is such a fan.