A parliamentary free-for-all Indonesia’s political parties have lost control over the national budgeting process, as members of parliament prioritise their constituencies – and themselves. Read more
Stories that bridge time Young researchers discover that the victims of history hold a secret every Indonesian should know Read more
Citizenship restored Communism continues to be a taboo in Indonesia but ‘former communists’ have finally regained their rights Read more
The business of politics in Indonesia Democratic institutions are increasingly burdened by the illicit transactions and collusive practices of politico-business elites Read more
Strange bedfellows An unlikely alliance between former rebels and a former New Order tormentor will test the limits of Partai Aceh loyalty Read more
Married with children The second round of direct elections for governors and district heads shows that democratisation is allowing powerful families to entrench themselves in local politics Read more
Review: Power politics Jeffrey Winters’ Oligarchy is an epic work of comparative political insight but has little that is new to add to the study of Indonesia’s politics Read more
A house for all Muslims? The United Development Party is determined to survive as a political force Read more
Front stage with the PKS At its upmarket congress, Indonesia’s biggest Islamic party tried but failed to convince it has become an open and inclusive party Read more
Transcending personality politics The election of Anas Urbaningrum suggests Partai Demokrat can survive without its founder, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Read more
A storm in a bank vault The much publicised ‘Bank Century’ case is unlikely to do any lasting damage to SBY Read more
Princess of populism Megawati Soekarnoputri stakes her claim to opposition, but will it be enough to stem her party's decline? Read more
Gerindra and 'Greater Indonesia' Prabowo’s party has deep roots in Indonesian political mythology Read more
'Selamat Berbuka Puasa' In South Kalimantan local politicians target TV screens with strategically-placed messages for Ramadan Read more
The Aceh Party The elections were tense in Aceh but in the end helped to consolidate the peace process Read more
Down but not out Islamic political parties did not do well, but Islamic politics are going mainstream Read more
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 Read more
Symbols and signs Photo-essay: PKS is often depicted as radical Islamist, but its members show evidence of ideological diversity Read more
Dominant but weak Signs of underlying fragility in nationalist parties may benefit Islamic parties in future elections Read more
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 Read more