ARTICLES

8 Oct 2021

FPI Reborn: Old Wine In A New Bottle?

Burhanuddin Muhtadi

The Islamic Defenders Front, a hardline group which was banned by the Indonesian government last year, has relaunched itself under a new guise. Not many are convinced that the proverbial apple has fallen far from the tree.

6 Oct 2021

Jokowi’s Shrinking Opposition: Smoothening the Path to Constitutional Amendments

Made Supriatma

PAN’s entry into Jokowi’s ruling coalition has cemented the President’s strong grip over Indonesia’s legislative assemblies and could make passing constitutional amendments even easier.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

30 Sep 2021

Attack on Ahmadiyya Mosque in Sintang: An Agony for Humanity

Ahalla Tsauro|Aninda Dewayanti

The minority Ahmadiyya sect has been much aligned for its purportedly ‘deviant’ beliefs. More should be done to address such unfounded conceptions, and provide a safer environment for the sect’s followers in the public sphere.

Indonesia Religion Religious Intolerance

Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Arsjad Rasjid, reviewed the implementation of mass vaccination and the inauguration of a mobile vaccine car in Bengkulu on 26 September, 2021. (Photo: KADIN Official/ Twitter)

29 Sep 2021

Will Kadin Be Caught Out?

Michael Schaper

Business groups such as Indonesia’s Kadin should be the voice of business - not of politicians.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

22 Sep 2021

China’s Recent Foray into the North Natuna Sea is Problematic

Aristyo Rizka Darmawan

A Chinese survey ship was reported to be operating in Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone in the North Natuna Sea last week. This is not new, but this time the survey ship was reportedly accompanied by at least six Chinese naval vessels. Jakarta should consider a firm response to Beijing.

China China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia South China Sea

22 Sep 2021

Emerging Political Parties in Indonesia: Raising the Water Level of Policy Debate?

Max Lane

For years, Indonesia’s political landscape had little room for vigorous debate on policy issues, given the focus on individual personalities and even populism. This is beginning to change.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

15 Sep 2021

Indonesian Militants React to Taliban Takeover

Quinton Temby

The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan has been welcomed in Indonesia’s militant Islamist circles and even among some mainstream figures.

Afghanistan Indonesia Islamist Groups Taliban U.S.

3 Sep 2021

Politicians’ Billboard War Underscores Absence of Policy Contestation

Max Lane

Early presidential bids by some Indonesian politicians have highlighted the lack of any policy debate in mainstream Indonesian politics.

COVID-19 Indonesia Indonesian Politics

1 Sep 2021

The KPK Controversy Keeps Corruption a Central Issue in Public Consciousness

Max Lane

Policies affecting the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) have kept corruption salient in public consciousness. There is growing discontent and anger driven by the perception that the Indonesian political elites are colluding to weaken the KPK to promote their own vested interests.

Anti-Corruption Corruption Indonesia Indonesian Politics

1 Sep 2021

Retno Goes to Washington: Indonesia Sticks to ‘Free and Active’ Foreign Policy

Leo Suryadinata|William Choong

Washington has played up its growing relationship with Jakarta. For the latter, it is all about what Jakarta can get from the closer ties, and balancing its position within the Sino-US relationship.

China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia U.S. Foreign Policy