Indonesia's opposition
All topics-
Environmental jihadCan "green Islam" save Indonesia from climate collapse?
Calls for an environmentally-conscious form of Islam are growing in Indonesia, as climate change poses enormous ecological challenges for the country. Experts say it could change society's approach to climate efforts. Enno Hinz reports
-
Indonesia′s gubernatorial electionsThe tolerance litmus test
In future, Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia will be governed by a Muslim: during recent elections, the sitting Christian governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, was beaten by his Muslim opponent Anies Baswedan. Christina Schott reports from Jakarta
-
Political Islam in IndonesiaWahhabism runs into the sand
Many Indonesians are watching with concern as religious intolerance and violence against minorities continues to escalate. But the vast majority are successfully stemming the tide of radical tendencies. By Franz Magnis-Suseno
-
Interview with Fritz Schulze"Islam is deeply rooted in Indonesian democracy"
A lively debate is currently raging in Indonesia on how Islamic norms can be reconciled with democratic values. Liberals and fundamentalists, moderates and reactionaries are engaging in verbal skirmishes. Adelheid Feilcke asked Fred Schulze, an expert on Southeast Asia, what this debate means for the world's largest Islamic country
-
Laksmi Pamuntjak′s novel "The Question of Red"The silence is broken
In her novel "The Question of Red", Indonesian author Laksmi Pamuntjak effectively combines the multi-faceted nature of the island state′s sociopolitical system and its bloody recent history with the fate of her fictional protagonists. Bettina David read the book
-
Portrait of the Indonesian author Linda Christanty"I want to write until I die"
Linda Christanty is one of the most admired writers in Indonesia. In 1989, she became the youngest author to win the annual short story prize from "Kompas", Indonesia's largest daily newspaper. In 2013, she won the prestigious Southeast Asian Writers Award. Christina Schott met her in Jakarta
-
Indonesian President-elect Joko WidodoComfortable among the people
Indonesians have chosen Joko Widodo, commonly known as Jokowi, to be their next president. He won more than 53 per cent of the vote in July's election. His rival Prabowo Subianto refuses to concede defeat and has taken the matter to the Constitutional Court. Observers doubt the court will accept his claim that the election was stolen. By Edith Koesoemawiria
-
Indonesian presidential elections 2014Populist versus autocrat
The two candidates in the forthcoming presidential elections in Indonesia could hardly be more different. Prabowo Subianto, former son-in-law of the late dictator Suharto, has adopted a militaristic style, and likes to present himself as a strong leader, while social democrat candidate Joko Widodo is seen as a man of the people and establishment outsider. Christina Schott examines their chances
-
Democracy and Human Rights in IndonesiaA Blocked Constitutional State
The country with the world's biggest Muslim population has now experienced 15 years of democracy. But the political euphoria of the Indonesian "Reformasi" movement has long since given way to disenchantment. Ex-dictator Suharto's old boy network is still very much in place, and radical Islam is on the rise. By Christina Schott
-
Violence against Minorities in IndonesiaDemocracy without Tolerance
The violence against minorities in Indonesia has reached new, terrible heights. While Islamist hardliners target Christians and supporters of the Islamic Ahmadiyya, the state turns a blind eye. Andy Budiman has the details
-
Dialogue between Religions in IndonesiaOn the Interdenominational Construction Site of Humanity
For the past 20 years, the Indonesian NGO DIAN/Interfidei has been engaged in interdenominational dialogue. The organization has also tried to include atheists, Confucians, and even fundamentalists in its activities – with various degrees of success. Anett Keller reports from Yogyakarta