Indonesia

Pornography is a controversial and divisive issue in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, where the consumption and production of pornographic materials are illegal and punishable by law.  The debate over pornography has been reignited recently, as the government has intensified its efforts to block and censor online porn sites, and as some religious and social groups have staged protests …

The 2024 presidential election in Indonesia is heating up, as the three main contenders, Prabowo Subianto, Ganjar Pranowo, and Anies Baswedan, are vying for the support of various groups and segments of voters. One of the most influential and sought-after groups is the Islamic organization, which consists of various religious and social institutions that represent the interests and values of …

Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, is facing a dilemma as he prepares for the 2024 presidential election, which will mark the end of his second and final term.  Jokowi has to decide whether to endorse a successor from his ruling coalition, or to remain neutral and respect the democratic process. His choice could have significant implications for …

Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, has recently agreed to recognize smaller religions on its national identity cards, after a long legal battle and social pressure.  The agreement, which allows the followers of local religions to choose a new category of “belief” on their cards, is seen as a step forward for the freedom of religion and belief in the …

Prabowo Subianto, the former army general and son-in-law of the late dictator Suharto, is running for president of Indonesia for the third time in 2024.  He claims to be a champion of democracy, development, and national sovereignty, and has gained popularity among many Indonesians who are dissatisfied with the current government.  But behind his political ambition lies a dark and …

Ali Imron, also known as Ali Ghufron, is one of the convicted perpetrators of the 2002 Bali bombings, which killed 202 people and injured more than 200 others in Indonesia’s popular tourist island. The bombings, which targeted two nightclubs and the US consulate, were carried out by Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), a militant Islamist group linked to al-Qaeda, which aimed to …

The Rohingya are a Muslim minority group that have faced persecution and violence in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship and basic rights.  Since 2017, more than 700,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh, where they live in overcrowded and squalid camps. Many of them have also attempted to seek refuge in other countries, such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, often …

As Indonesia prepares to elect its next president and vice president in February 2024, the issue of China’s growing influence and presence in the country has become a source of contention and controversy.  China is Indonesia’s largest trading partner and a major investor in various infrastructure projects, such as the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway and the Batang Toru hydropower plant. However, …

TikTok, a popular video-sharing app, has become a new battleground for Indonesia’s presidential candidates, who are trying to attract young voters ahead of the February 14, 2024 election.  The app, which has around 99 million monthly active users in Indonesia, allows users to create and share short videos with music, filters, and stickers. The app also features live-streaming, interactive talks, …

Mary Jane Veloso, a 38-year-old Filipina domestic worker, was arrested in 2010 at the airport in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, for carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her luggage. She was sentenced to death by firing squad in 2015, but was granted a last-minute reprieve after the Philippine government intervened.  Veloso has always maintained her innocence, claiming that she was duped by …