ARTICLES

3 Jan 2022

The President Versus the Cleric: Managing Conservatives From Within

A'an Suryana|Norshahril Saat

A recent public spat between President Joko Widodo and a prominent cleric underscores how the former is facing challenges in reining in conservatives in his inner circle.

30 Dec 2021

The ‘Revival’ of PKI: Bogeyman Tactics

Leo Suryadinata

The Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) no longer exists in the country’s political landscape. But this has not stopped some groups from using the PKI bogeyman for political gain.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

29 Dec 2021

The 212 Movement: Flagging Political Fortunes

Syafiq Hasyim

The decline of the 212 Movement in Indonesia could well portend the decline of political Islam.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Islam Political Islam

17 Dec 2021

Fighting Big Fat Lies Online: Caveat Emptor

Lee Sue-Ann

In the online battlefield, companies, politicians and media outlets are trying to shape how we think. For media consumers and journalists alike, the keys to a strong defence lie in media literacy and discernment.

Indonesia Malaysia Misinformation Philippine Social Media Technology

16 Dec 2021

Indonesian Police and Vigilante Groups: An Implicit Double Standard

A'an Suryana

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has called on police officers to stop visits to patrons of vigilante groups. The problem, however, is that there is a double-standard here in how different groups are treated.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

15 Dec 2021

Extending TNI Officers’ Retirement Age: More Harm than Good?

Evan A. Laksmana

Raising the retirement age for Indonesian Defence Force officers could worsen logjams for mid- and high-ranking officers, and as well as undermine Indonesia’s broader interests in the Indo-Pacific.

Defence Indonesia Indonesian Military Indonesian Politics

9 Dec 2021

Al-Najah’s Arrest: Time for MUI to Come Clean

Syafiq Hasyim|Norshahril Saat

A member of the Council of Ulama Indonesia (MUI) was arrested recently for his involvement in Jemaah Islamiah. MUI should make amends by explaining how such an association came about, and effect a more rigorous recruitment regime.

Indonesia Islam Islamist Groups terrorism

8 Dec 2021

Indonesia and China’s Maritime Grey Zone Strategy: In Denial

Evan A. Laksmana

China has subjected Indonesia to maritime grey zone tactics in the South China Sea, much like how Beijing treats disputant states in the South China Sea. While Jakarta is technically not a disputant state, it is in denial about Beijing’s increasingly assertive actions.

China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia South China Sea

24 Nov 2021

Jokowi Playing It Safe by Picking Loyalists to Lead the Indonesian Military

Made Supriatma

The latest leadership reshuffle in the TNI reflects President Jokowi’s desire to ensure he has loyalists at the helm, as political jockeying intensifies in Indonesia.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

23 Nov 2021

Indonesia’s New Army Chief: Nudging the Country Towards the Sea

Aristyo Rizka Darmawan

The newly-appointed commander of the Indonesian military has an army background. But his appointment comes at a time when Indonesia’s defence challenges fall largely in the maritime domain.

Indo-Pacific Indonesia Indonesian Politics