Category Archives: BLASPHEMY

Religion, Politics and Law: Blasphemy in Indonesia

Indonesia’s blasphemy legislation gained global attention during the trial of former Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama in 2017. But apart from Ahok, many other Indonesians have also faced blasphemy charges in recent years, even though the constitutionality of the law has been challenged repeatedly. Why is blasphemy such a serious offence in Indonesia? WhatContinue reading “Religion, Politics and Law: Blasphemy in Indonesia”

Ahok, Indonesia’s ‘Nemo’, sent to jail

This article was first published in The Policy Forum, 10 May 2017What do Nemo, the Archangel Gabriel, a martial arts teacher, and a man who whistled during prayers have in common? They have all been convicted by a court for blasphemy in Indonesia. Yesterday the global community was shocked by the court verdict in Jakarta, the teeming capital city ofContinue reading “Ahok, Indonesia’s ‘Nemo’, sent to jail”

Islamist rule by law in Indonesia

This article first appeared in Policy Forum, 3 December 2016. The great paradox of Indonesian democracy is on display for all the world to see. On one hand, there is greater freedom of expression and association for all. But on the other, this has given fuel to Islamists to espouse lawlessness and violence in the absenceContinue reading “Islamist rule by law in Indonesia”

What do the blasphemy allegations against Ahok mean?

Indonesian police last week declared Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, or Ahok, a suspect for blasphemy, over a speech he gave in which he quoted a verse from the Qur’an. In the wake of the police decision, Indonesia at Melbourne spoke to Dr Melissa Crouch, who has published widely on Indonesia’s Blasphemy Law(link is external) (Law No.Continue reading “What do the blasphemy allegations against Ahok mean?”

Blasphemy charges against Ahok a triumph for Islamists in Indonesia

Note: this article first appeared in the East Asia Forum One of the most high profile blasphemy allegations may soon be brought before a court in Indonesia. Thousands of Islamists turned out in Jakarta recently to demand that Basuki ‘Ahok’ Tjahaja Purnama, the Governor of Jakarta, be charged with blaspheming Islam. Some protestors displayed sinister signs, demandingContinue reading “Blasphemy charges against Ahok a triumph for Islamists in Indonesia”

Book Review: Shi’ism in Southeast Asia

Shi’ism in Southeast Asia: ‘Alid Piety and Sectarian Constructions. Edited by Chiara Formichi and R. Michael Feener, 2015. Oxford University Press, 2015. 397 pages. $65.00 (hardcover), $36.99 (e-book) This book review was first published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Religion (2016). The article is available for free in pdf download from that site. In 2013, a major case wasContinue reading “Book Review: Shi’ism in Southeast Asia”

Indonesian Court rejects Blasphemy Court Case

In April 2013, the Indonesian Constitutional Court rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of the Blasphemy Law (although the court decision was only made publicly available in September 2013). As I argued previously, this was the most likely outcome, given the weak constitutional nature of the arguments raised and the failed challenge to the Blasphemy Law in 2010Continue reading “Indonesian Court rejects Blasphemy Court Case”

Indonesian Constitutional Court reconsiders Blasphemy Law

In 2012, a new case challenging the constitutionality of Indonesia’s Blasphemy Law was lodged with the Constitutional Court.[i] Since Indonesia’s transition to democracy, over 150 individuals from minority religious groups have been convicted of blasphemy. The Blasphemy Law in Indonesia confers power on the Minister of Religion to warn or ban a religious group if itContinue reading “Indonesian Constitutional Court reconsiders Blasphemy Law”