Indonesian Politics

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.

New Mandala is looking for emerging Indonesian experts to write about Indonesia's biggest policy challenges in the lead up to the 2019 polls.

A pillar of Indonesian civil society faces an ever more acute dilemma between representing a religious community and securing resources and influence within government.

A movement making piety cool for youth alienated from traditional religious organisations has become a national phenomenon in Indonesia.

On 'black campaigns', the Islamic vote, and upcoming presidential elections.

Trying out a more sophisticated measure of how religious intolerance varies across Indonesia's provinces.

Beyond the media hype, the new Indonesia Solidarity Party (PSI) isn’t much different from the conservative, oligarch-linked parties we’re used to.

A new survey shows that political parties are divided only by their attitudes on Islam.

Nearly two decades of decentralisation have shown the promise and challenges for Indonesia's civil society.

Looking at Indonesia's grassroots neighbourhood associations helps us understand the perils of aligning civil society with elite interests.

On the many meanings of Hari Kartini, Indonesia's annual celebration of its most famous colonial-era feminist thinker.