Indonesia

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.

Vannessa Hearman on a Dutch exhibition on Bali that "packs a punch".

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.

Australian institutions and their patrons were slow to wake up to Indonesian artists, but the future looks encouraging.

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.

Politicians need to make some hard decisions to make the system financially sustainable.

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.

A despatch from Brisbane, where an eclectic selection of Indonesian works stands out at the APT.