ARTICLES

Indonesia's election commission on November 13, announced the candidates for next year's presidential vote when the world's third largest democracy is due to pick a successor to incumbent leader Joko Widodo. (Photo by Adek BERRY / AFP)

21 Nov 2023

Human Capital Development Programmes in Indonesia: Electoral Gimmicks or Achievable Promises?

Yanuar Nugroho

A clear-eyed look at the various candidates’ proposals for improving Indonesia’s human capital development suggests that the devil will be in the implementation, not the targets per se.

Indonesian Muslims attend the Eid al-Adha prayer at the square of the Great Mosque of Al Azhar, Jakarta, Indonesia, on 28 June 2023. Dasril Roszandi/Anadolu Agency. (Photo by Dasril Roszandi / ANADOLU AGENCY/Anadolu Agency via AFP)

17 Nov 2023

The Dilemma of Political Involvement among Muslim Theologians in Indonesia

Norshahril Saat|Ahmad Muhajir

This Long Read focuses on the political views of a spectrum of Indonesian Islamic theologians, whose support is often sought by political aspirants seeking to raise their religious credentials as election campaigning heats up.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

President Joko Widodo invited three presidential candidates for the 2024 presidential election -- Anies Baswedan (R), Ganjar Pranowo (L), and Prabowo Subianto (2R) -- to have lunch together at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. (Photo. by Joko Widodo / Twitter)

9 Nov 2023

The Race is On! Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Candidates Assessed

Julia Lau|Made Supriatma

It will be a tough fight in next February’s presidential election in Indonesia. There is time for the race odds to shift but the stakes are already clear.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto (R) and vice presidential candidate Gibran Rakabuming Raka (L), son of Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, pose for photographs during the registration for the 2024 election in Jakarta on October 25, 2023. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP)

7 Nov 2023

Out of the “Elektabilitas” Mire Comes the Push for Dynastic Power

Max Lane

The lack of real political difference among the various contenders for the top political job in Indonesia has paved the way for the culture of political dynasties to strengthen. Will this culture win out? The votes will tell.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

Creative action members, holding banners, gather to stage demonstration for demand that Hyundai stop its plan to use aluminum produced by new coal power plant production in front of a station of electric vehicles (EV) at Senayan Park in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 23, 2023. (Photo by Eko Siswono Toyudho / ANADOLU AGENCY / Anadolu Agency via AFP

31 Oct 2023

Indonesia’s EV Transformation: A Work in Progress

Manggi Habir

The Indonesian government is seeking to ramp up the adoption of electric vehicles on the country’s road. But several challenges remain.

Climate Change Indonesia Indonesian Politics

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.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Middle East

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|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