In the news:

  • Catching up on the commentary from last week’s Jakarta gubernatorial elections many have analysed what it means and predicted what happens next.
  • Philips J. Vermonte, at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) looks at the reasons why Agnes was elected and areas the incumbent Governor needs to pay attention to.
  • Elite political forces and religion were key influences notes Helen Brown.
  • ‘The election has polarised Indonesia, intimidated religious and racial minorities and greatly strengthened the hand of Islamist hardliners’ argues Tim Lindsay at the University of Melbourne.
  • ‘Plainly, the outcome is a defeat for tolerance’ says the Economist.
  • However, religion wasn’t the only factor in the outcome of the election, argues Max Waldon. Ahok was never loved by all and Anies and Sandiaga ran a slick political campaign.
  • In the Lowy Interpreter Erin Cook looks ahead to what this means for the 2019 Presidential race.
  • Ross Tapsell assesses how the Ahok campaign failed, and why Jokowi should worry.
  • In other news, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati says the government’s revenue projections are “on track” amid strengthening economic growth in Indonesia.
  • As Australians mark Anzac Day this week, Heather Merle Benbow explores trade in coffee between Australian soldiers and East Timorese during World War Two and that trade today.
  • Can a partnership between Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation and an Indonesian palm oil company protect orangutans on Salat Island? The New York Times addresses the unlikely partnership.
  • Taking a look at the broader Australia-ASEAN relationship, ANU’s John Blaxland encourages Australia to think big on mulitlateralism.
  • The ANU’s College of Asia & the Pacific have released a collection of essays on the Trump Administration’s first hundred days and asked, what should Asia do?

AIYA presents Kartini

  • AIYA is bringing 2017’s biggest Indonesian film to cinemas across Australia in May. Directed by Hanung Bramantyo and starring Ada Apa Dengan Cinta?‘s Dian Sastrowardoyo, ‘Kartini’ tells the incredible true story of Indonesia’s most famous heroine. Watch the trailer and register for a screening near you.

At the AIYA blog

  • Part 2 of our chat with historian of Indonesia, David Reeve, about his latest project on Minangkabau public transport. Missed Part 1 last week? Catch up here.
  • In the first of our film reviews from Indonesian Film Festival, AIYA Victoria President Sam Shlansky reviews Nia Dinata’s Ini Kisah Tiga Dara (Three Sassy Sisters). The film serves as a homage to the classic 1957 musical film Tiga Dara.

Events

  • Sydney, 29 April: Javanese gamelan, music and dance in Newtown feat. Suara Indonesia Dance Group.
  • Melbourne, 29-30 April: Pop by AIYA Victoria’s stall at the Nusantara Street Festival 2017 at Queen Victoria Market.
  • Perth, Melbourne, 1 – 2 May: Asialink and AIBC present their State of the Nation: Indonesia event. AIYA Members receive a special discount rate – contact your local AIYA Chapter for more information.
  • Sydney, 4 May: An evening of Balinese art and dance at the Australian Museum.
  • Melbourne, 6 May: DWP KJRI & Kisaku.com presents Indonesian Heritage Exhibition at the Indonesian Consulate General.
  • Canberra, 9 May: Join AIYA ACT’s Networking Night.
  • Gold Coast, 21-28 May: Keen to see Australia’s and Indonesia’s best badminton players in action? Check out the Sudirman Cup.
  • Surabaya, 22 May: Perth US Asia Centre’s Surabaya Panel Discussion at Airlangga University.

Opportunities