Religion

Aa Gym

The rise, fall, and re-branding of a celebrity preacher

Illiberal but not intolerant

Understanding the Indonesian Council of Ulamas

Shifting faultlines

In the aftermath of religious conflict, ethnic difference is becoming more prominent in Ambon

Starting early

New programs of compulsory religious education for Muslim children in West Sumatra have received little publicity outside that province. Is this a new phase in the Islamisation of Indonesia?

Tension within Cabinet has once again become public. But while many see it as a religious clash, the more serious conflict, writes GERRY VAN KLINKEN, is over the protection of special business interests.

Waiting for Ngaben

Kuta Beach ceased some time ago to be what the brochures say it is. For Robert Goodfellow, the piles of plastic rubbish are signs of a deeper malaise.

Battle for the pews

GERRY VAN KLINKEN explores the dramatic conflict within the Batak Protestant Church (HKBP). Environmental protest, military-backed thugs, and guerilla tactics to attend Sunday worship - these are the ingredients of a bizarre story.

Portrait of a female preacher

NELLY VAN DOORN discovers a woman preacher revered for her faith and drive, who questions the image of a male-centred Islam.

Itinerant scholars

Hinduism and Islam were born so far away. How did Indonesians learn of them? KAREL STEENBRINK traces a long history of religious scholars travelling overseas.

Islam in opposition? It's not that simple.

Despite an impression that Islam has lately become a potent force of opposition, GREG BARTON thinks many Muslims have a stake in the status quo.

How Muslims will say 'No'

What are the prospects of Islamic opposition? How democratic will it be? GEORGE ADITJONDRO finds much to be hopeful about.

Breaking out!

DJOHAN EFFENDI explores the paradox of young progressives in Indonesia's most traditional Islamic organisation.

Rationality and the clitorectomy

A Spanish enquirer gets the catechism in an exclusive Jakarta suburb. MARGARET COFFEY was there too.

A local hero

To Jakarta, he is an enigma. To the Madurese, he holds out hope for a better society. GERRY VAN KLINKEN goes to the grass-roots.

Godly men in green

Abri officers are becoming more Islamic, but many do not want their Islam to become a political tool for the administration, according to MARCUS MIETZNER.

Travels in West Timor

SIMON ANDREWARTHA discovers a quiet invasion by outsiders, even in the remotest villages.

No nightmares in Aceh

Acehnese have no word for nightmare, but the trauma of the conflict years is nightly visited upon many survivors through their dreams.

Inside the Laskar Jihad

An interview with the leader of a new, radical and militant sect

Towards a New Papua

When they hear the sacred texts of the church, Papuans see a better future

Radical or reformist?

How Islamic will the new movements make Indonesia?

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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