Posts with tag: Blasphemy

Talking Indonesia: blasphemy
Law, Religion, Talking IndonesiaWhy 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.

The Muslim Cyber Army: what is it and what does it want?
Analysis, Politics, ReligionFor more than a year, the Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet) has been tracking the so-called Muslim Cyber Army (MCA), which stands accused of spreading hoax news and hate speech online. SAFEnet Regional Coordinator Damar Juniarto presents a detailed examination of the shadowy network.

Why is Ahok in prison? A legal analysis of the decision
Analysis, Law, Politics, ReligionOn 9 May, judges sentenced Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama to two years in prison for blasphemy, surprising many, as prosecutors had not pursued a custodial sentence. Professor Simon Butt presents a legal analysis of the decision. What arguments did the court hear and what did it accept?

Conviction politics: the jailing of Ahok
Analysis, Law, Politics, ReligionThe conviction for blasphemy of former Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama was not a surprise, writes Professor Tim Lindsey. What was surprising was that the judges decided to follow the usual pattern in blasphemy cases when the case before them was so very unusual.

Blasphemy in Indonesia: a shield or a sword?
Analysis, Law, ReviewIn a decision that shocked many, judges last week sentenced former Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama to two years in prison for blasphemy. Dr Stewart Fenwick, who recently completed a book on the Blasphemy Law, writes that the case demonstrates how the law and the courts can be exploited for political and religious purposes.

Ahok's defeat bodes ill for the future
Analysis, Elections, PoliticsAnies Baswedan will be the next governor of Jakarta, following a bitterly fought campaign against Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama. Make no mistake, Professor Tim Lindsey writes, it was the mobilisation of racial and religious hatred achieved by his enemies that led to Ahok’s defeat in this election.

Charges and counter-charges threaten Indonesian democracy
Analysis, Law, PoliticsThe fiercely contested Jakarta gubernatorial election has given rise to a cycle of charges and counter-charges between the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) and its opponents. Abdil Mughis Mudhoffir and Rafiqa Qurrata Ayun write that this politicisation of criminal justice is doing serious damage to the rule of law.

Will religion influence voters’ choices in the Jakarta election?
Analysis, Elections, Politics, ReligionFollowing the massive rallies against Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama over alleged blasphemy, one might assume that religion was the most important factor influencing the intended voting behaviour of Jakarta residents. But a study conducted by Nathanael Gratias Sumaktoyo demonstrates that it is not as dominant as the recent rallies suggest.

Bukan sekedar Ahok: menjelaskan aksi massa pada 2 Desember
Analysis, Politics, ReligionApakah signifikansi "Aksi Bela Islam III" secara politik dan agama? Apakah besarnya demonstrasi tersebut adalah bukti lebih lanjut tentang penguatan konservatisme Islam di Indonesia? Associate Professor Greg Fealy menyajikan analisa mendalam tentang demo 2 Desember dan konsekuensinya bagi demokrasi Indonesia.


