Best of 2023
Top StoriesThe new year has arrived and it will be a particularly important year for Indonesia as the country heads towards a general election on 14 February. To celebrate the year just past, we have pulled together this short list of the articles and podcasts you found most interesting in 2023.
The Hunger Games: Indonesia’s problematic electoral system will continue in 2024
2024 Indonesian Elections, Law, Politics, Top StoriesElectoral processes are inherently competitive. But can a democratic system be too competitive? Indonesia’s current open list electoral system not only requires candidates to compete against candidates from different political parties – but also those from their own party.
Why Australia and Indonesia should build a comprehensive partnership on climate change and the energy transition
Economy, Policy in Focus, Top StoriesIndonesia is one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. Richard Mathews thinks Australia should be doing more to help Indonesia make the clean energy transition.
Who are the elites who control Indonesian politics?
Economy, Politics, Top StoriesPolitical position, wealth, and access to and control over policy are all important in determining who is part of the political elite in Indonesia.
Can a Constitutional Court judgment be changed? Newly installed judge faces Ethics Council
Law, Politics, Top StoriesThe legislature's controversial appointment to the Constitutional Court, Guntur Hamzah, has already faced the court's Ethics Council for altering the text of a decision.
Foreign influencers in Indonesia: love of the country or a ploy for popularity?
Arts, Media, Society, Top StoriesWhat is behind the growing number of foreign influencers producing content about Indonesia?
Labour Party revives for 2024 elections
Elections, Politics, Top StoriesRecent attacks on workers' rights have galvanised the union sector and prompted the revival of the Indonesian Labour Party.
Shinta Ratri, champion of inclusive theology, dies at 60
Gender, Religion, Top StoriesThe prominent leader of an Islamic school for trans women died on 1 February.
Half-hearted progress: religious freedom after the new Criminal Code
Human Rights, Law, Religion, Top StoriesMany media reports have been highly critical of how the new Criminal Code (KUHP) treats religious freedom. But there are some changes that should mean minorities are better protected.