Abdurrahman Ayyub, the former Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) leader for Australia, New Zealand and Papua told us on Sunday (April 5) that websites containing hateful speech might not directly impact Indonesia today, but it would certainly haunt us in the future. If the content of a website threatens national security, the content/website has to be blocked. Such is the argument for censorship. [Continue reading]
Indonesia
The Debate on the Hate Speech Website Blockade
NewsroomThe Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and their aggressive propaganda over the internet have alarmed the Indonesian government. The Government patrols the internet and actively seek to block propaganda websites. At least 22 websites were reportedly listed for the blockade. But controversy came to surface ever since the news came to public attention. The debate has centered on freedom of expression. [Continue reading]
Keroncong Week
NewsroomIndonesia is well known for cultural diversity. But pervasive pop culture has challenged the relevance of cultural heritage. The Indonesian government responded to this phenomenon by strengthening their commitment to bring to fore local heritage, such as the traditional music genre Indonesians call Keroncong. [Continue reading]
Security Briefing: Hunting Santoso
NewsroomThe Indonesian Military (TNI) is conducting a joint military exercise for two weeks, with 3,200 officers from the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), Indonesian Air force (TNI AU) and also Indonesian Army (TNI AD). The started on Monday (March 30) and would end on April 15. The official line is that the training is held to test the readiness of military officers in conducting join military operations. [Continue reading]
The Business of Traditional Snacks: Monami Bakery
NewsroomContrary to what many may have thought, traditional Indonesian snacks have not disappeared from the market. Fierce food competition doesn’t seem to stop Indonesians from seeking the food of their childhood. Researcher at the Traditional Cuisine Study Center of Gadjah Mada University was quoted by kompas.com in 2011 saying that traditional food has the human aspect by virtue of being closely linked to families. They’re typically considered “medicine” for those who miss home. This is why no matter how inundated we are with imported products, there’s still an established place in our hearts and palates for traditional snacks. [Continue reading]
Government to Block More Hate Speech Websites
NewsroomThe presence of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) sympathizers has alarmed the Indonesian authorities. There are worries that ISIS propaganda would spread and eventually spark terrorist activities. The worry is not unfounded. ISIS have been aggressively promoting their cause through the internet. This is exactly where the authorities are now focused on, the decision has been made. The Government now patrols the net and actively seek to block propaganda websites. [Continue reading]
Beers, a Part of Modern Lifestyle
NewsroomThe Indonesia Stock Exchange has two listed breweries, i.e., PT Multi Bintang Indonesia (IDX: MLBI) and also PT Delta Djakarta Tbk (IDX:DLTA). DLTA is the producer of Anker Bir, Anker Stout, San Mig Light, Carlsberg, San Miguel Pale Pilsen and also Kuda Putih. MLBI is the producer of Bintang Beer, Heineken, Bintang Zero and also Green Sands. [Continue reading]
Security Briefing: A Déjà Vu
NewsroomMore than 500 Indonesian citizens reportedly left to Syria to join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). That said, on March 25, the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) confirmed that only 159 Indonesians had left to Syria for the cause. Eleven of them have returned to Indonesia and the authorities have arrested three. [Continue reading]
East Nusa Tenggara Tourism: Signs of Growth
NewsroomMany of us know that Bali has always been the prima donna, getaway tourist destination. This applies for both foreign and domestic tourists. But in the past decade, the Government has been trying to promote the other regions of Indonesia as alternative tourist destinations. One of them is the province of East Nusa Tenggara, or otherwise known as NTT. [Continue reading]
Security Briefing: Chep Hernawan, and the Return of Indonesian ISIS Fighters
NewsroomLast Saturday (March 21), the head of the hard-line group Islamic Reform Movement (Garis) Chep Hernawan was arrested with the charge of committing fraud. Chep allegedly embezzled 150 million Rupiah in 2011. Prior to his arrest, Chep made a revelatory statement. He claimed that he’s the financier behind Indonesians joining the State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). But who is Chep Hernawan? [Continue reading]
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