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Jerinx, UU ITE, and the endless threat to freedom of expression in Indonesia
Here’s the thing: Jerinx has been a problematic figure in Indonesia for months, as he touted one conspiracy theory after another on social media amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But criminalizing his mindless rhetoric using the Information and Electronic Transactions Act (UU ITE) is a reckless move that further undermines freedom of expression in Indonesia. I ...
As Bali restarts its economy, government, businesses, and organizations should assess their inclusivity
Almost five months have passed since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. By now, many feel completely overwhelmed by the cacophony of...
Indonesia’s ‘new normal’ immigration policy may break families apart
With a 30-day grace period under the new regulations, some foreigners may be forced to leave the country and separate from their Indonesian family.
COVID-19 doesn’t excuse Lombok’s discriminatory dress code
A new dress code for female civil servants in Indonesia’s Central Lombok regency should concern all Indonesians.
Despite death threats, queer singer Kai Mata still wants to fight for LGBT visibility in Indonesia
It's certainly not easy to be openly queer in Indonesia, but a this young lesbian singer wants to make sure people are accepted for who they are.
Anti-racism protests in the US are shining the light on racism against Papuans in Indonesia
Right next to #BlackLivesMatter, #PapuanLivesMatter has surfaced to educate Indonesians on injustices that Papuans face.
On social media, Indonesians fight back against dangerous COVID-19 conspiracy theories
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a fertile ground for conspiracy theories to flourish, so much so that we’re seeing well-known figures here in Indonesia taking it upon...
Culture vs Corona: How Balinese Hindus are responding to restrictions on ceremonial life
The phrase “Bali tak pernah sepi dari suara upacara,” which loosely translates as “Bali is never silent because of the sounds of ceremonies,” was once used to describe the...
Those Who Stay: For some tourists, Bali is a safe haven from the pandemic
What would you do if you were thousands of miles away from home when a pandemic hits? Would you pack your bags and get on the next flight home? Or would you consider staying...
Opinion: Foreign tourist’s viral TikTok crusade against menstruation ban in Balinese temple is insultingly myopic
Netizens, both Indonesians and foreign, have expressed their criticisms against the viral video.