ARTICLES

3 Aug 2020

Hagia Sophia’s Reversion into a Mosque: A Worrying Precedent?

Ahmad Najib Burhani

The reversion of the Hagia Sophia in Turkey back to its status as a mosque is seen to be harming inter-religious harmony and civilisational relationships. In Indonesia, the precedent set by Turkey could throw up some unsettling scenarios.

Indonesia Religious Dialogue

28 Jul 2020

Prabowo and the Presidency: Lucking Out on the Third Try?

A'an Suryana

Prabowo, who was deemed to be a shoo-in for the presidency in 2024, has suffered a setback. He has lost the support of Islamist organisations, and will need to think of other strategies to secure the Muslim vote.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

13 Jul 2020

Islamist Groups: Jokowi and the Horns of a Dilemma

Syafiq Hasyim

Islamist groups have been on the up on up in Indonesia. However, a failure to foster unity in the ranks will not bode well for their political fortunes.

Indonesia Islamist Groups

26 Jun 2020

South China Sea: Indonesia Crosses Swords with China

Leo Suryadinata

Indonesia has recently taken a firmer position vis-à-vis China on the South China Sea. Those who think that Jakarta is assuming the leadership mantle of ASEAN on the issue will be disappointed; the more assertive stance derives from Jakarta’s own interests.

Indonesia South China Sea

21 Jun 2020

Joko’s Fire and Fury: A Chance to Reform the Cabinet?

Yanuar Nugroho

As a recession looms, President Joko Widodo has unleashed his fury on his ministers for their mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle is rife. Instead of focusing on personalities, however, the emphasis should be on areas which desperately need reform

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

9 Jun 2020

Indonesian Muslim Groups Grapple with the “New Normal”

Syafiq Hasyim

Muslim groups, which were generally in favour of the government’s partial lockdown earlier on in the Covid-19 pandemic, are now taking up a less sanguine position.

COVID-19 Indonesia Indonesian Politics

27 May 2020

Indonesia’s Islamist Groups: The Logic of Strategic Silence

Made Supriatma

Indonesia’s Islamist groups have not hit back at President Jokowi for his handling of the current Covid-19 pandemic. There are several reasons for their strategic silence.

COVID-19 Indonesia Indonesian Politics

9 Apr 2020

Covid-19: In the Doldrums of Debt

Malcolm Cook

Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, many Southeast Asian countries, several of which are already forecast to careen into recession this year, will see themselves in hock.

Cambodia COVID-19 Indonesia Laos

3 Apr 2020

Covid-19 and Indonesia: Not Quite a Lockdown

Siwage Dharma Negara

Jakarta has studied the examples of Malaysia and India and decided not to implement a full lockdown amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The social and economic costs are deemed to be too high.

COVID-19 Indonesia