Archives

Habib Bahar’s fifteen minutes of infamy

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

Corrupting Thailand’s Court of Justice 

The Court of Justice plays no less significant a role in sustaining the military regime, yet has generally kept a much lower profile than the controversial Constitutional Court.

Enjoining moderation: the online self-presentations of the MILF [Part II]

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front struggles to sustain a dual image of moderation and militancy.

Himpunan 812 and a new rivalry in Malay politics

Observations on what many are calling Malaysia's answer to Indonesia's 212 movement.

Enjoining moderation: the online self-presentations of the MILF [Part I]

In its rhetoric the MILF "is forced to walk a tightrope between two extremes", seeking credibility as a negotiator and as champion of Islam.

The rise of Duterte and Bolsonaro: creeping authoritarianism and criminal populism

In both countries, ugly populist politics is a direct result of legitimate concerns about crime and corruption.

Indonesia at the 9th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art

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

The uncomfortable intimacies of ‘Tao Po’

"We are drawn into the lives of four characters, each with a separate monologue"

Deadly answers: a review of ‘Tao Po’

"Many were emotionally triggered by this part-testimonial, part-theatrical, and part-documentary theatre"

‘Tao Po’: More than collateral damage

The play highlights "raw and conflicted stories based on real lives in the drug war".

‘Tao Po’: Is anyone there?

"Tao Po invites us to listen to four people’s intimate accounts of the [Philippines'] drug war."

‘Tao Po’: A new theatre of war

Introducing a series of short reflections on Tao Po, a one-person play that grapples with the Philippines' drug war.