Posts with tag: Conservative Islam

Dorce Gamalama: an accidental role model for gender and sexual minorities in Indonesia
Gender, Society, Top StoriesDorce Gamalama might have never described herself an activist, but she still made a major contribution to public awareness of gender and sexuality issues in Indonesia.

Nahdlatul Ulama leadership race vulnerable to political intervention
Politics, ReligionAs the race for Nahdlatul Ulama's next leader heats up, there are already indications that competition between the two leading contenders is becoming increasingly politicised.

Religious freedom, harmony or moderation? Government attempts to manage diversity
Law, Religion, Society, Top StoriesThe government has recently promoted the concept of 'religious moderation' in its attempts to manage religious diversity in Indonesia. But there are several problems with the approach.

Terror arrests likely motivated by political, not security, considerations
Politics, Religion, SecurityThe backgrounds of the three men arrested over alleged terrorism offences on 17 November suggest their capture may be connected to government efforts to neutralise Islamist opposition ahead of the 2024 elections.

Islamists back at work, pushing conservative gender politics as a ‘response’ to Covid-19
Gender, Religion, Top StoriesThe Prosperous Justice Party's failed attempt to promote polygamy as a solution to the Covid-19 pandemic was misogynistic and displayed a belief that women and girls can only participate in society as wives.

Indonesian sympathy for a ‘changed’ Taliban: more harm than good
Foreign Policy, ReligionSome Indonesian political elites and Islamic leaders have expressed rather hopeful views on the future of governance in Afghanistan under the Taliban. This could be dangerous.

A personal religious choice: regions banned from forcing students to wear headscarves
Education, Gender, Religion, Top StoriesA new joint ministerial decision banning forced religious clothing in schools has been welcomed by activists. But in an increasingly conservative society, will headscarves continue to be viewed as compulsory?

Best of 2020
AnalysisIndonesia at Melbourne will again be taking a break over the Christmas and New Year period. Here we list the most popular articles and podcast episodes, plus a few of our favourites, from 2020. We look forward to seeing you again when we return in January.

Child marriage surges amid Covid-19 and growing conservatism
Gender, Law, SocietyEconomic downturn due to the pandemic is exacerbating drivers of child marriage, risking gender equality and children’s rights, writes Laras Susanti.