Election politics
Chaos and consolidation
The April 2009 legislative polls exposed weaknesses in Indonesia’s electoral management, but the results will help to strengthen the democratic polity
The eagle has crash-landed
Despite an unprecedented media campaign, Prabowo Subianto’s political comeback has fallen flat – for now
Down but not out
Islamic political parties did not do well, but Islamic politics are going mainstream
Dominant but weak
Signs of underlying fragility in nationalist parties may benefit Islamic parties in future elections
Symbols and signs
Photo-essay: PKS is often depicted as radical Islamist, but its members show evidence of ideological diversity
Seeking representation
Activists in Palu remain confined to the political margins
Feeling cheated, acting apathetic
Many Indonesian students face obstacles voting, but they aren’t much interested anyway
Suicide and progress in modern Nusantara
While it’s tragic that some candidates kill themselves after Indonesian elections, at least they aren’t killing each other
Not just an elite game
In Bali, it’s neither policy, parties nor entrenched elites, but image-savvy politicians and an all-powerful media that are dominating the new electoral landscape
Latest Articles
The isolation poems by Putu Oka Sukanta
Oct 09, 2021 - PUTU OKA SUKANTA, VANNESSA HEARMAN & KIERNAN BOX
Poems by Putu Oka Sukanta were translated by Vannessa Hearman and Kiernan Box with commentary written by Vannessa Hearman based on her interview with the poet.
Reshaping masculine cultures of terrorism
Sep 20, 2021 - NOOR HUDA ISMAIL
Former members of terror networks are focussing on masculinity’s role in encouraging violent extremism in Indonesia
A lost generation
Sep 01, 2021 - ANTON LUCANUS
Thousands of children have been orphaned and ostracised as the pandemic crisis continues to spiral
Film review: Kinipan
Aug 31, 2021 - ARFAN AZIZ
How forest restoration and food estate policies affect local communities
Photo essay: Banyutowo harmony
Aug 28, 2021 - HUTAMA LIMARTA
A fishing village on the northern tip of Java stays true to its roots
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A selection of stories from the Indonesian classics and modern writers, periodically published free for Inside Indonesia readers, courtesy of Lontar