Cancellation of Hijrahfest signals anxieties over shifts in religious authority
Religion, Society, Top StoriesMainstream religious organisations like Nahdlatul Ulama appear to view the hijrah movement as a threat to their authority.
Can Indonesian cultural products rival the Korean Wave?
Arts, Society, Top StoriesSandiaga Uno recently encouraged Indonesians to consume less Korean television and music in favour of local arts and cultural products. Many are sceptical.
Talking Indonesia: the Kanjuruhan football disaster
Security, Society, Talking IndonesiaWhy would police use tear gas in a sold-out stadium, and what accountability is likely after the death of so many fans? Dr Dave McRae speaks to Usman Hamid and Yogi Setya Permana in the wake of the Kanjuruhan tragedy.
The disposable lives of Indonesian football fans
Security, Society, Top StoriesThe tragedy in Malang was entirely avoidable. Sadly, those culpable will likely escape without appropriate punishment.
Dangdut koplo takes centre stage
Arts, SocietyThe recent performance of a dangdut koplo song at the Presidential Palace was an important acknowledgement of an often-maligned musical genre.
Citayam Fashion Week: the class divide and the city
Society, Top StoriesThe Citayam Fashion Week phenomenon has exposed some of the deep class problems confronting Jakarta and the people who live in it.
Megawati’s ‘joke’ exposes the classist and racist views of the political elite
Politics, SocietyFormer President Megawati Soejarnoputri has been widely criticised for comments she made about West Papuans and meatball soup sellers (tukang bakso).
Talking Indonesia: the Salafi movement
Religion, Society, Talking IndonesiaWhy has the conservative Salafi Islamic movement grown in popularity in Indonesia, especially among young people? How is Salafism changing the face of Indonesian Islam? Dr Jacqui Baker chats to Dr Chris Chaplin in Talking Indonesia.
Another Marriage Law controversy: is reform overdue?
Human Rights, Law, Religion, Society, Top StoriesThe recent marriage of one of President Joko Widodo’s female special staffers, a Muslim, to her Catholic boyfriend has prompted new debate on Indonesia's 50-year-old Marriage Law.