Pramoedya Ananta Toer – An Indonesian Literary Icon by JOSE RAMOS HORTA

“It was in Buru that Pramoedya created “the Quartet”. Initially forbidden access to writing materials, Pramoedya recited the stories; vivid tales of the creation of Indonesia, a time of national awakening and rebellion against the colonial rulers, orally to other prisoners. When Pramoedya and two of his fellow prisoners, Joesoef Isak and Hasyim Rachman, were […]

Widodo Government Acknowledges Gross Human Rights Violations Happened: The Unstoppable Erosion of a Fundamental Taboo by Max Lane

“Spokespersons for the Widodo government since 2014 have regularly stated that they are seeking a “completion” (penyelesaian) of this issue, implying that once there is “resolution”, there will correspondingly be no further need for public debate. It is probable that, with about a year to go in Widodo’s second and final term as president, he […]

FUEL PRICE RISES IN INDONESIA: A CHALLENGE TO STAY THE COURSE by Max Lane”

“Apart from the ongoing student demonstrations, which have been organised by both conservative and progressive student groups, the rhetoric of political parties outside of the formal government coalition has been oppositional. On 6 September, the Justice and Welfare Party (PKS) staged a walk-out of a parliamentary sitting protesting the price rises. Student groups connected to the PKS […]