ARTICLES

18 Sep 2020

To Ban or Wear: The Niqab in Indonesian Public Offices

A'an Suryana|Nur Syafiqah Mohd Taufek

The central government’s proposal to ban the niqab in Indonesian public offices faces pushback from local political leaders and various quarters of the country’s Muslim community.

Indonesia Religion

17 Sep 2020

Indonesia and Covid-19: Worst of Both Worlds

Quinton Temby

Jakarta is going into a second lockdown in the wake of the Covid-19. This time, it is hoped that the capital will avoid the nightmare scenario: a lockdown that fails to stop community transmission and a further contraction of the economy.

COVID-19 Indonesia

7 Aug 2020

Save the Planet? Eat Like an Indonesian

Geoffrey K. Pakiam

Protein-rich foods such as tofu and tempeh might well save the world. If all other countries adopted Indonesia’s prescribed dietary standards and actually followed them, current greenhouse gas emissions from global food production would plummet.

Health Indonesia

7 Aug 2020

State Capture and Indonesia’s Justice System: A Mountain to Climb

A'an Suryana

Indonesia recently witnessed a saga involving a high-profile fugitive who received substantial privileges from the public service while he was on the run. Such instances of state capture remain a chronic problem in Indonesia.

Corruption Criminal Justice System Indonesia

4 Aug 2020

Indonesia’s State Ideology Bill: A Brewing Controversy

Max Lane

A bill setting out to interpret the Panca Sila, a set of five principles enshrined in the Indonesian Constitution, has come under attack. Conservative elements argue that the bill has framed Panca Sila in an entirely secular manner.

Indonesia Pancasila

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