Archives

Querying Martial Law in Mindanao

The security rationale for Duterte’s declaration of martial law may apply in Mindanao. But is it a test balloon for further authoritarian measures?

Female Ulama voice a vision for Indonesia’s future

A report from the pathbreaking Indonesian Female Ulama Congress in Cirebon, West Java.

Remembering Professor Joel S. Kahn

A tribute to the life and work of the acclaimed anthropologist, who passed away on 1 May 2017.

Middle class competition and Islamic populism

What Jakarta's election highlighted most was not tensions between socioeconomic groups, but cultural tensions within the Muslim middle class itself.

Malaysia must wake up to its human trafficking problem

As Rohingya and supporters gather to remember those buried at Wang Kelian, corruption and official inertia perpetuate human trafficking.

The allure of Joget Gamelan

Threatened by neglect and officialdom, can the great Malay tradition of Joget Gamelan make a comeback?

An important message about New Mandala comments

Our editor, Liam Gammon, offers some advice on getting your comment published.

Ahok’s defeats and public debate in Indonesia

Ahok's downfall should prompt new inquiry into which institutions and networks shape popular opinion, and how.

Holy places and unholy politics

Ahok's support of an Islamic pilgrimage site amid Jakarta's container port illustrates the intricacies and paradoxes of Indonesia’s politics of religion.

Pemuda PAS: vanguard of Malaysian Islamist politics

The ideological conservatism of young PAS cadres was on full display at the party's national congress.

Explaining the roots of KNU power struggles

The Karen National Union shows how internal conflicts in Myanmar’s insurgencies can complicate the peace process

Indonesian Press Council fails on World Press Freedom Day

The state of Papuan press freedom is dire, despite Jokowi promising openness. Indonesia's Press Council must speak.