Latest from Johannes Nugroho
When 26-year-old Surabaya native Stella Monica Hendrawan took to Instagram to complain about a bad experience she’d had at a beauty clinic, she never thought two years later she’d still be fighting criminal defamation charges brought under Indonesia’s controversial ITE internet law.
When 26-year-old Surabaya native Stella Monica Hendrawan took to Instagram to complain about a bad experience she’d had at a beauty clinic, she never thought two years later she’d still be fighting criminal defamation charges brought under Indonesia’s controversial ITE internet law.
Sukarno’s daughter may have converted from Islam to Hinduism but for ordinary Indonesians to do so is to take a great risk, as Johannes Nugroho found out.
Sukarno’s daughter may have converted from Islam to Hinduism but for ordinary Indonesians to do so is to take a great risk, as Johannes Nugroho found out.
Transgender characters are pushing back against rising intolerance in the Muslim-majority country.
Transgender characters are pushing back against rising intolerance in the Muslim-majority country.
The Loos, an Indonesian couple in their 40s, have set up the Sehati Animal Sanctuary on Sumatra island to speak up for living beings that lack a voice.
The Loos, an Indonesian couple in their 40s, have set up the Sehati Animal Sanctuary on Sumatra island to speak up for living beings that lack a voice.
The semi-autonomous Indonesian sultanate only grants ethnic Chinese citizens up to 30-year leasehold titles, after it resurrected a Dutch colonial-era law.
The semi-autonomous Indonesian sultanate only grants ethnic Chinese citizens up to 30-year leasehold titles, after it resurrected a Dutch colonial-era law.
Bali’s biggest employer – the tourism sector – has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, but its no. 2 industry is proving more resilient.
Bali’s biggest employer – the tourism sector – has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, but its no. 2 industry is proving more resilient.
History buff Philipus Raharjo and entrepreneur Bram Luska spend their time scouring the hills of Semarang for forgotten Chinese grave sites. But not all the tombs they find are ready to give up their secrets.
History buff Philipus Raharjo and entrepreneur Bram Luska spend their time scouring the hills of Semarang for forgotten Chinese grave sites. But not all the tombs they find are ready to give up their secrets.
Both sides have a long way to go before they reach a mutual understanding, but showing respect for each other’s culture and sovereignty would be a good start, writes Johannes Nugroho.
Both sides have a long way to go before they reach a mutual understanding, but showing respect for each other’s culture and sovereignty would be a good start, writes Johannes Nugroho.
A scandal involving ethnic Chinese Christian evangelist Jozeph Paul Zhang has cast the spotlight on Indonesia’s lopsided implementation of the blasphemy law, which is meant to protect other religions besides Islam.
A scandal involving ethnic Chinese Christian evangelist Jozeph Paul Zhang has cast the spotlight on Indonesia’s lopsided implementation of the blasphemy law, which is meant to protect other religions besides Islam.
Kaesang Pangarep and Felicia Chew were one of the most high-profile interfaith couples in a country where relationships between Muslims and non-Muslims still raise eyebrows.
Kaesang Pangarep and Felicia Chew were one of the most high-profile interfaith couples in a country where relationships between Muslims and non-Muslims still raise eyebrows.
The gentrification of the Indonesian lexicon through English may be part of a wider trend.
The gentrification of the Indonesian lexicon through English may be part of a wider trend.
The appointment of a Christian police chief is welcome in a country where minorities are often sidelined, but his loyalty to the president is his greatest asset.
The appointment of a Christian police chief is welcome in a country where minorities are often sidelined, but his loyalty to the president is his greatest asset.
To some Indonesians, Biden represents a return to the Obama period, when the US lectured others on democracy but continued to wage wars in foreign lands.
To some Indonesians, Biden represents a return to the Obama period, when the US lectured others on democracy but continued to wage wars in foreign lands.
BL TV series, which depict relationships between male characters, have helped LGBT people in Indonesia find positive reinforcement.
BL TV series, which depict relationships between male characters, have helped LGBT people in Indonesia find positive reinforcement.
During the Asian Financial Crisis, the informal sector kept the economy going, but the current US$48 billion coronavirus stimulus package fails to address the most vulnerable.
During the Asian Financial Crisis, the informal sector kept the economy going, but the current US$48 billion coronavirus stimulus package fails to address the most vulnerable.
The islands’ regent Abdul Hamid Rizal is fishing for Western investments amid incursions by Chinese vessels in the Natuna Sea.
The islands’ regent Abdul Hamid Rizal is fishing for Western investments amid incursions by Chinese vessels in the Natuna Sea.
Its tiny community of ethnic Chinese tend to be pro-Beijing, while the notion of secession is anathema to Jakarta. Hong Kong’s current status under ‘one country, two systems’ also benefits Indonesia economically.
Its tiny community of ethnic Chinese tend to be pro-Beijing, while the notion of secession is anathema to Jakarta. Hong Kong’s current status under ‘one country, two systems’ also benefits Indonesia economically.
The country’s pretender kingdoms have made grand claims of power and wealth, and tap into a belief that a ‘Just King’ will deliver prosperity that people have yet to enjoy.
The country’s pretender kingdoms have made grand claims of power and wealth, and tap into a belief that a ‘Just King’ will deliver prosperity that people have yet to enjoy.
President Widodo is focused on serving his people largely through increased welfare and economic growth. But recent student protests have shown the complexity of the Indonesian electorate’s aspirations.
President Widodo is focused on serving his people largely through increased welfare and economic growth. But recent student protests have shown the complexity of the Indonesian electorate’s aspirations.
Joko Widodo is part of a new crop of Indonesian politicians elected without family political links. But amid proposed changes that would end direct presidential elections, the era of dynastic politics may not be over
Joko Widodo is part of a new crop of Indonesian politicians elected without family political links. But amid proposed changes that would end direct presidential elections, the era of dynastic politics may not be over