The last five years have seen the emergence of volunteer organisations as new actors in the campaigns of some of Indonesia’s most important elections. Who are these volunteers, what motivates them and what role do they play in elections? Dr Dave McRae discusses these issues and more with Dr Dirk Tomsa in the latest Talking Indonesia podcast.

Fake news has become a major concern in Indonesia. But what can be done to address the problem? Is the proliferation of fake news an indication of the increasing polarisation of Indonesian society? Charlotte Setijadi discusses these issues and more with Ignatius Haryanto in the latest episode of Talking Indonesia.

How much is the controversy around Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama related to his ethnicity and religion and how much is it about popular politics in Indonesia today? How has Ahok’s own political style played a part? Dr Jemma Purdey discusses these issues and more with Professor Ariel Heryanto in the latest Talking Indonesia podcast.

What role do political dynasties play in Indonesian politics? What motivates political families to attempt to establish themselves as dynasties, and how do they do so? Dr Dave McRae discusses these issues and more with Dr Jemma Purdey, in the first Talking Indonesia podcast for 2017.

What are the most important online tools for pro-ISIL groups in Indonesia, and what do these groups use them for? How do their online activities differ to fellow Indonesian jihadis who oppose ISIL? How can the Indonesian government monitor and counter extremists’ activities online? Dr Dave McRae explores these questions and more with Nava Nuraniyah in the final Talking Indonesia podcast for 2016.

Indonesia has taken a leading role in the promotion of human rights at the level of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). To what extent does the development of regional mechanisms mean that human rights are accepted in the region? How does Indonesia’s support for a regional mechanism relate to its domestic human rights challenges? Dr Ken Setiawan discusses these issues and more with Associate Professor Dinna Wisnu in Talking Indonesia this week.

On 16 November, police declared Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, or Ahok, a suspect for blasphemy over a speech he made in which he quoted a verse from the Qur’an. Why have Ahok’s comments provoked such an intense reaction in Indonesia, and what can we learn from this case about the position of non-Muslims and ethnic Chinese Indonesians in Indonesian democracy? Dr Dave McRae speaks to Dr Nadirsyah Hosen about the case.

While Indonesia has seen a decline in state violence since the collapse of the New Order, non-state violence, particularly toward minorities, appears to have increased. This has contributed to restriction of civil liberties, and poses challenges for democratic reform. In Talking Indonesia this week, Dr Ken Setiawan chats to Dr Budi Hernawan about the shrinking space for civil liberties.

How has the Joko Widodo administration performed on economic management? How successful has the tax amnesty program really been? And has the government’s perceived new emphasis on ties with China changed Chinese involvement in the economy? Dr Dave McRae explores these issues and more with Dr Yose Rizal Damuri, in the latest Talking Indonesia podcast.

What roles are played by religion and culture in perceptions of disability in Indonesia and how do these perceptions influence policy? What is being done, or should be done, to promote inclusion of people with disability? In Talking Indonesia this week, Dr Ken Setiawan discusses these issues and more with leading disability advocate Slamet Thohari, from Brawijaya University in Malang, East Java.

What accounts for Indonesia’s infrastructure deficit and how can the government best address it? How does President Joko Widodo differ in his approach to infrastructure compared to his predecessor, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono? Dr Dave McRae discusses these issues and more with Associate Professor Jamie S. Davidson, from the National University of Singapore, in the latest Talking Indonesia podcast.

Indonesia’s indigenous peoples face serious challenges, including insecure rights to land and lack of recognition of their traditional religions. How are these issues being addressed, and what regional differences have to be taken into account? Dr Ken Setiawan explores these questions and more with Sandra Moniaga, from Komnas HAM, in the latest Talking Indonesia podcast.