Indonesian Politics

Renewed rivalry between pluralists and Islamists coexists with catch-all patronage politics.

Some Indonesian politicians are taking on the industries which dominate politics in their regions. But can working in the system change much?

Considering whether five years of Jokowi–Prabowo competition is dividing Indonesian society.

Road building is good for the economy overall but does little to solve the congestion that plagues Indonesia’s major provinces.

Fears of intolerant Islamic movements have intensified identity politics in Christian communities in the east.

There’s little reason not to expect a comfortable win for Jokowi, but difficulties in predicting legislative election results remain.

Socially conservative female candidates are making their mark in the 2019 legislative elections.

Islamic boarding schools are ground zero for Jokowi’s efforts to win over the Muslim grassroots. Ideology and patronage are both playing a part.

Why attempts to mobilise the civil service in presidential elections aren’t likely to have much effect.

Reflections on socio-religious developments and the political role of Indonesia’s Islamic preachers appealing to the middle class.

The eastern islands showcase how national-level polarisation filters through to the grassroots, but also how the realities of decentralised power interfere with national-level political designs.

Out in the east, there is a feeling that Sulawesi has received disproportionate attention from Jokowi.

The numbers on how Indonesia stacks up in comparison to other Muslim-majority countries.

A look at the religious rhetoric contained in parliamentary candidates’ campaign platforms.

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.