ARTICLES

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.

31 Aug 2023

Meatball Soup on Instagram: (Not) Making a Mountain Out of a Molehill

Wahyudi Akmaliah|A'an Suryana

A proverbial storm has erupted in Indonesia over a foodie influencer enjoying a humble bowl of meatball soup with non-halal crackers. Calmer heads should have prevailed.

Indonesia Religion Religious Intolerance

14 Sep 2022

Politicised Islam Frays the Fabric of Keluarga Malaysia

Mohd Faizal Musa

Ismail Sabri’s vision for Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) tries to paint the picture of an administration that is more inclusive than its predecessors, or that it is departing from Islam-centric policies. However, upon closer inspection his rhetoric rings hollow.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Political Islam Religion Religious Intolerance

28 Jun 2022

The Shi’as and Freedom of Religion under Joko Widodo’s Presidency

A'an Suryana

This Long Read argues that under the current Joko Widodo presidency, the Shi’as have suffered less harassment and intimidation from the Sunni majority than under previous governments.

Indonesia Islam Political Islam Religion Religious Intolerance

15 Jun 2022

Khilafatul Muslimin: Not a Serious Threat to Indonesia Yet

A'an Suryana

Khilafatul Muslimin, an Islamist organisation in Indonesia, has tried but failed to influence public opinion. But the government should keep it on a tight leash.

Indonesia Islamist Groups Religion Religious Intolerance

20 May 2022

Abdul Somad Denied Entry into Singapore: Islamophobic? Far from It

Norshahril Saat

Indonesia religious teacher Abdul Somad was denied entry to Singapore. His followers have decried Islamophobia as being behind the decision. This cannot be farther from the truth.

Islam Religion Religious Intolerance Singapore

13 May 2022

Tackling the Problem of Identity Violence Against Pluralists

Syafiq Hasyim|Norshahril Saat

A recent attack on an academic who has promoted pluralism in Indonesia highlights the need for the government to adopt new strategies to tackle Islamist violence against such individuals.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Political Islam Religious Dialogue Religious Intolerance

4 May 2022

The New FPI: Don’t Buy the Same Horse Twice

Ahalla Tsauro|Firmanda Taufiq

The neo-FPI, the latest reincarnation of the Islamic Defenders Front, has sought to make a clean break from its controversial predecessor. Indonesians should take it with a dollop of salt.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Political Islam Religion Religious Intolerance

21 Apr 2022

Moon Versus Maths: The Ramadhan Debate and Future of Indonesia’s Pluralism

A'an Suryana|Norshahril Saat

This year’s Ramadhan saw less bickering among Indonesian Muslims about the appropriate start date for the blessed month. The ‘agree to disagree’ approach should be employed in other facets of the country’s socio-religious life.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Religion Religious Dialogue Religious Intolerance