Indonesia

The new criminal code of Indonesia has been criticized by journalists and the State Department for its banning of illicit sex, blasphemy, and partial news.

In a discussion hosted by the Hudson Institute between Staquf and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the speakers shared their concerns and reflections of what it would mean to pursue a free and open Indo-Pacific.

On December 22, Indonesian President Joko Widodo reshuffled his cabinet. The shuffle was expected, but it did contain a big surprise on the religious front.

On April 20, members of the world’s largest Muslim organization and one of the world’s largest Christian organizations announced the creation of a joint working group to counter two threats to religious freedom and to society more broadly: religious extremism and secular extremism.

Javanese voters linked to Nahdlatul Ulama will be the key swing demographic group in Indonesia’s elections moving forward. This is a mixed blessing in terms of religious freedom.

Jokowi’s reelection helps cement democracy in Indonesia, a vitally important reason the US should warmly welcome it.

On January 24, 2019, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, formerly known by his nickname Ahok and now as “BTP,” was released from prison. What happens to him will tell us much about Indonesia’s political future.

A seemingly small incident in Indonesia is the first shot in the use of religion, specifically accusations of blasphemy, as a political weapon against President Jokowi in the ongoing presidential race.

Last weekend’s seven bombings in Surabaya reveal a marked escalation of ISIS capabilities in Indonesia and also show changes in tactics. This is probably only the first wave of awaited attacks by ISIS returnees from the Middle East. Nevertheless, the terrorism threat in the country remains small.