Blasphemy - Indonesia at Melbourne

Criminalising the mentally ill: schizophrenic woman to face court for blasphemy

On 9 October, a schizophrenic woman who brought her dog into a mosque will face trial for alleged blasphemy. Lawyer Barita Lumbanbatu takes a closer look at the case.

Farewell Arswendo Atmowiloto

Religion, Society

Revered journalist and writer Arswendo Atmowiloto was one of only a handful of people charged with blasphemy under the New Order. Dr Daniel Peterson reflects on his life and views on the problematic Blasphemy Law.

Law as a weapon: the 'criminalisation of ulama'

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

President Joko Widodo has often faced claims that he is "criminalising" ulama, or religious leaders. Azis Anwar Fachrudin looks at how many religious leaders Jokowi has sent to prison, and asks, are the complaints about criminalisation missing the point?

Best of 2018

Review

It’s time again for Indonesia at Melbourne to take a short break over the Christmas and New Year period. Here we reflect on some of our favourite and most popular blog posts and podcasts from 2018. We look forward to seeing you again when we return in mid-January.

Policing religion? There’s an app for that

Analysis, Law, Policy in Focus, Religion

The new Smart Pakem app is supposed to give the public a safe way to report "deviant" religious practices. But could it trigger persecution and conflict instead? Zainal Abidin Bagir weighs up the implications for religion and rights.

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.

The human cost of Indonesia's Blasphemy Law

Analysis, Human Rights, Law, Religion

Some 23 people have been sentenced under the Blasphemy Law since President Joko Widodo came to power in 2014, including six this year. Andreas Harsono from Human Rights Watch looks at the impact of the law on its victims, such as ethnic Chinese Buddhist Meliana.

How did a complaint about a mosque loudspeaker end up in a blasphemy conviction?

Analysis, Religion, Security

The conviction of Meiliana, after she complained about the noise of a nearby mosque, has shocked Indonesia. PUSAD Paramadina researchers examine Meiliana's complaint in detail, and the violence that followed, showing how hate was mobilised to convict her.

Talking Indonesia: blasphemy

Law, Religion, Talking Indonesia

Why is blasphemy such a serious offence in Indonesia? What do recent blasphemy cases have in common and where do they differ? Dr Dirk Tomsa discusses these issues and more with Dr Melissa Crouch in the latest episode of the Talking Indonesia podcast.

Posts with tag: Blasphemy