ARTICLES

29 Dec 2021

Form over Substance: A Threat to Livelihoods and Social Cohesion

Afra Alatas|Faris Ridzuan

Recent trends in Malaysia show that religiously conservative ideas are no longer restricted to the Malay heartlands. There should be more space carved out for freedom of conscience, with less interference from state or civil society actors.

29 Nov 2021

Growing Shariatisation in Indonesia: The Ulama Council of Indonesia (MUI) Moment?

Norshahril Saat

The Ulama Council of Indonesia (MUI) has evolved from a state “lackey” to an organisation with significant influence. With the shariatisation project becoming more mainstream in Indonesia today, this could be MUI’s biggest window of opportunity to further assert its influence.

Indonesian Politics Islam Religion

14 Oct 2021

The Curious Case of Attacks Against Muslim Figures

A'an Suryana

It is unlikely that a string of attacks against Muslim figures in Indonesia was orchestrated. The attacks could have been hyped by a populace sensitive to the idea of Muslim figures being subjected to violence.

Indonesia Religion Religious Intolerance

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

2 Aug 2021

Between Religious Rituals and Safety Protocols in the Time of a Pandemic

Afra Alatas|Nur Syafiqah Mohd Taufek

Religious leaders have an important role to play, in word and deed, to safeguard the physical and spiritual well-being of their flock during this pandemic.

COVID-19 Health Malaysia Malaysian Politics Religion

26 Jul 2021

The Religious Challenges Behind Enforcing Emergency Covid-19 Restrictions

Syafiq Hasyim

Although the mainstream Muslim organisations had supported closing mosques during Indonesia’s current round of emergency Covid-19 restrictions, the government subsequently compromised. This is another indication of the growing influence of conservative Muslim voices on Muslim issues.

COVID-19 Health Indonesia Religion

23 Jul 2021

Managing Moral Authority: Thai King’s Revived Devotion to Buddhism

Katewadee Kulabkaew

King Vajiralongkorn’s recent enthusiasm in religious matters could be a game-changer in Thailand’s cultural politics.

Religion Thai Monarchy Thailand

1 Jul 2021

Pandemics and Festivals: Will Covid-19 Transform Our Cultural Events in Future?

Steve K.L. Chan|Kevin S.Y. Tan

In Southeast Asia, mass participation at important cultural festivals amidst a pandemic has contributed to the tragic loss of life. The question is whether and how we can preserve such deeply cherished events without jeopardising precious lives.

COVID-19 Health Religion Southeast Asia

25 Jun 2021

Indonesia’s Covid-19 Surge: Contradictions and Criticism

Max Lane

Indonesia’s latest Covid-19 surge has piled pressure on the Widodo government, which is under pressure to reconsider some form of lockdown to rein in the spread of the coronavirus.

COVID-19 Health Indonesia Islam Religion