ARTICLES

24 Oct 2023

The President and His Political Party: An Impending Collision

Burhanuddin Muhtadi

There is a widening rift between Indonesian President Joko Widodo and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle which endorsed his candidacy in the country’s two previous presidential elections.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections

Indonesian Muslim activists hold banners during a demonstration against the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in front of the Horse Statue in Jakarta, Indonesia on October 13, 2023. (Photo by Eko Siswono Toyudho / ANADOLU / Anadolu via AFP)

19 Oct 2023

The Implications of the Israel-Gaza Conflict on Indonesia

Julia Lau

Indonesia is likely to support the Palestinian people and redouble its commitment and calls for a two-state solution in light of the ongoing Israeli-Gaza violence. Domestically, the spiralling crisis has some potential to affect the 2024 presidential candidates and security climate, especially if no urgent solution is in sight.

Indonesian police officers try to extinguish wildfire in Ogan Ilir, South Sumatera, Indonesia on September 12, 2023. Southeast Asia could see the return of transboundary haze later this year, as Indonesia battles an increased number of wildfires amid a prolonged dry season. Haze in Southeast Asia due to forest fires in Indonesia has been a perennial issue over the past decades. (Photo by Muhammad A.F / ANADOLU AGENCY / Anadolu Agency via AFP)

11 Oct 2023

Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Haze and Climate Change in Southeast Asia

Sharon Seah|Helena Varkkey

Transboundary haze has reared its ugly head again, no thanks to peatland burning and the compounding effects of the El Nino phenomenon and climate change. It is high time to break the vicious cycle of haze and climate change.

Climate Change Haze Indonesia Pollution

Snapshot of video covering the laying of the first stone for the Gereja Kristen Indonesia (GKI) Yasmin, on 5 December 2021.

26 Sep 2023

What the Gereja Kristen Indonesia (GKI) Yasmin Case Says about Religious Freedom in Indonesia

Alamsyah M. Djafar|A'an Suryana

After waiting for 16 years, the Gereja Kristen Indonesia (GKI) Yasmin congregation in Indonesia can finally worship peacefully after relocating to a new church building. This Long Read argues that the forced relocation of houses of worship for minority faiths and succumbing to the majoritarian principle only infringes upon the rights of minorities.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Religion Religious Intolerance

A child's growth measurements are taken as part of a monthly medical check-up programme for children at an integrated services post in Banda Aceh on August 10, 2023.

20 Sep 2023

Why the Next Decade Will Be So Critical for Indonesia: It’s Not Simply about Getting Rich

Maria Monica Wihardja

The government elected next year will have a long to-do list, not least of which is to continue pursuing meaningful development as Indonesia aspires to reach high income status by 2045.

Indonesia Indonesian Economy Indonesian Politics

20 Sep 2023

The Ba‘Alawi of Indonesia: Genealogy and Identity

Ahmad Muhajir|Sharifah Afra Alatas

The debate in Indonesia about the origins of the Ba‘Alawi community reflects the fact that legitimacy is derived not only from lineage but social, historical and religious identity.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Religion

Children playing on the playground at a green-blue open space in Jakarta

19 Sep 2023

The Urgent Need to Rejuvenate Public Green Spaces in Jakarta

Paulus Bagus Sugiyono|Neo Hui Yun Rebecca

There is already an existing solution to some of Jakarta’s urban pollution woes, but this requires the present government to more seriously revive and maintain the city’s much-needed green spaces.

Environment Indonesia Pollution

18 Sep 2023

Why Has Batam’s Rempang Eco-City National Project Become a Controversy?

Ady Muzwardi|Siwage Dharma Negara

Unhappiness among villagers in Rempang, close to Batam island, has led to riots in Batam City and threatens existing and future foreign investment. A small but diminishing window exists in which the local and central governments can improve their approach towards convincing residents of the need to relocate for a better future.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

Chief of Staff of the US Army, General James Charles McConville (C) accompanied by Indonesian Defense Minister, Prabowo Subianto (Front) arrives at the Indonesian Ministry of Defense offices in Jakarta, Indonesia, 12 May 2023. McConville's visit to Indonesia strengthened the military cooperation between the two countries.

12 Sep 2023

Prabowo as Defence Minister: From Problematic Purchases to Provocative Proposals

Aswin Lin|Deasy Simandjuntak

Notwithstanding his high popularity in recent polls, Prabowo Subianto’s uneven track record as defence minister begs more scrutiny from Indonesian voters before they head to the presidential vote next February.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics