Indonesian Politics

Social media may be making Indonesia seem more politically polarised than it is.

Jokowi's statist developmentalism isn't perfect, but it's a realistic response to the political economy barriers that have held up private investment in infrastructure.

Voters are grateful for development projects, but aren’t giving Jokowi a pass for his human rights failures.

Disputes that mark this pragmatic alliance should worry Islamists that Prabowo may disregard their demands.

Prabowo Subianto’s running mate is playing the long game.

Fishers have become emblematic of the "wong cilik" this election, but their political engagement remains fragmented and localised.

Jokowi’s overreliance on state-owned enterprises has undesirable side-effects. But the private sector has its own problems.

The dominant counter-terrorism policy paradigm is unnecessary limiting, and sometimes counter-productive.

Prabowo Subianto's running mate talks to New Mandala.

Women are central to grassroots campaigning, but what counts as "women's issues" is still hopelessly limited.

Exploring the politics of policy, and policy in politics, during the 2019 elections.

Revisit the 20 most popular articles published at New Mandala this year.

An eccentric—and violent—Islamic preacher has been catapulted to fame in Indonesia after becoming a target of the authorities.

The second reunion of the 2016 anti-Ahok rally was a show of force from FPI ahead of elections.

Listen to New Mandala's monthly Indonesia podcast.

Expert speakers discuss the state of Indonesia's politics and economy in 2018, with the focus on the status of minorities.

A provocative documentary examines the asymmetries of Indonesia’s oil palm boom, but leaves some difficult questions unaddressed.

Once hailed as the saviour of the democratic status quo, Indonesia’s president is now busily degrading democratic norms.

Would high political office discipline Ma’ruf Amin’s conservatism, or would his conservatism influence government policy?

Livestream the annual in-depth updates on Indonesia's politics and economy.

Aid-supported 'participatory recess' programs are promoting healthier communication between MPs and constituents. But it won't transform politics unless parties sign on wholesale.

Progressives may hope that Ma’ruf’s conservatism will be checked by realpolitik.

Notes from a research trip interrupted by Indonesia’s most deadly earthquake in years.

The NU Garis Lurus or 'true path NU' movement shows how the moderate stance of Indonesia's largest Islamic organisation is being internally contested.