Art and The Continuing Erosion of a Political Taboo: Sculpture and Activism in Indonesia’s National Gallery
Max Lane
Art has power to inspire activism and challenge political taboos. In Indonesia, a recent exhibition highlighted this dynamic.

Max Lane
Art has power to inspire activism and challenge political taboos. In Indonesia, a recent exhibition highlighted this dynamic.
A'an Suryana|Norshahril Saat
Negative reactions in Aceh to the ritual of rain shamanism do not mask the contradiction of parts of the Islamic community tolerating ‘Islamic shamanism’ or mysticism and ritual over science and modernity.
A'an Suryana|Norshahril Saat
Last week’s visit by Pope Francis to the world’s largest Muslim country came at a sensitive time. Rhetorical tolerance and humility paled in the light of His Holiness’ simplicity in leadership.
Syafiq Hasyim
There is a lot more going on behind the scenes between the leadership of Indonesia’s largest Muslim organisation and the party which sprung from its roots. What might be personal has certainly become political.
Ian Wilson
Recent student-led demonstrations throughout Indonesia show that popular support for democracy remains high. This support is not necessarily shared, however, by political parties who are collaborating in an increasingly cartel-like fashion to shrink electoral competition.
Xue Song
In the past decade, China has extensively engaged with Muslim communities in Indonesia, primarily through collaborative efforts with major Islamic organizations. This Long Read examines the motivations of Indonesia’s Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah in their engagements with China, arguing that they align with their respective goals of promoting Archipelagic Islam and Progressive Islam globally.
Made Supriatma
Less than two months before stepping down, the outgoing president of Indonesia’s plans to hang onto power are at risk of unravelling. What is worse, his previously sky-high popularity is also starting to fray.
Ika Ningtyas|Nuurrianti Jalli
Virtual and physical resistance to the ruling elite’s attempts to trample on democracy last week in Indonesia became a powerful reminder of how social media can be a force multiplier in democracy.
Max Lane
There are growing perceptions that President Joko Widodo is seeking to build a political dynasty at the expense of democracy.
Made Supriatma
The unprecedentedly long interim between Indonesia’s election and the new government’s inauguration has allowed the outgoing president and Parliament unusual leeway to distort democracy in self-serving ways.