Religion - Indonesia at Melbourne

Obituary: Romo Benny, Indonesia’s meddlesome priest, dies at 55

“Religion is being used as an instrument of power in Indonesia, manipulated by the State and big business. Politicians are continuing to use religion for their own ends and consequently risking harmony.” The words are those of Antonius Benny Susetyo, best known as Romo (Father) Benny and probably the most recognisable Catholic priest in Muslim-majority Indonesia.

Beyond religious tolerance: What the Pope’s visit really means for Indonesia

Environment, Religion, Society

There is debate about Pope Francis’ stance in many different areas, and criticisms too. But, so far, he has been a pope who very clearly emphasises social justice and environmental sustainability as means of caring for the poor in his messages.

A solution to conflict over houses of worship at last?

Human Rights, Law, Policies, Politics, Religion

Conflicts over houses of worship are caused in part by a problematic legal framework – this may be about to change

Best of 2020

Analysis

Indonesia 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.

Healers, shamans and black magic: the complicated picture of mental health treatment in Indonesia

Policy in Focus, Public health

Understanding the cultural baggage of mental health is essential to creating strategic policy on the issue and ensuring that sufferers receive effective and timely treatment, writes PPH Atma Jaya researcher Devika.

The thinking behind the man called Munir

Human Rights

On the 16th anniversary of human rights defender Munir Said Thalib's murder, Usman Hamid reflects on the values that motivated his actions.

Child marriage surges amid Covid-19 and growing conservatism

Gender, Law, Society

Economic downturn due to the pandemic is exacerbating drivers of child marriage, risking gender equality and children’s rights, writes Laras Susanti.

The anti-sexual violence bill: a clash of values or politics?

Gender, Human Rights, Policies, Political parties, Politics, Religion, Society

A draft bill on the elimination of sexual violence has become a battleground for pro-democracy movements against rising religious conservatism, write Anna Margret and Yolanda Pandjaitan.

How economic conditions affected voting in the 2014 election

2014 Indonesian Elections, Analysis, Economy, Elections

With the 2019 elections fast approaching, Dr Teguh Dartanto presents results from a recent research paper suggesting that in the 2014 Presidential Election, voters in villages with good economic conditions were more likely to vote for Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

Posts with tag: Religion