Garry Andrew Lotulung/Pacific Press, via Getty Images

It is estimated that at least 20 million of Indonesia’s 260 million people practice local traditional beliefs. Ancient beliefs, or aliran kepercayaan, are traditional beliefs outside the six government-recognised religions. In a country where religion plays a large part in public life, aliran kepercayaan devotees may still feel ostracised.

In the news

  • The rising intolerance against religious and sexual minorities have raised concerns about the growing influence of more conservative forms of Islam in Indonesia. Are we seeing a conservative turn in Indonesian Islam? Listen to the latest Talking Indonesia Podcast where Dr Charlotte Setijadi discussed religious authority in Islam with Dr Ahmad Najib Burhani.
  • The refugee families are feeling the pressure of being stranded forever in Indonesia. With crippling conditions and rising number of reports of depression, the desperation is palpable. The Guardian reports the story on the streets outside the Kalideres detention centre.
  • Indonesian state universities are welcoming the latest policy of President Joko Widodo’s administration allowing foreign academics to serve as permanent lecturers in the country’s universities. The move is an attempt to increase the country’s quality of higher education and meet international standards.
  • The global success of Satudarah, an outlaw motorcycle gang with roots in the Netherlands’ Indonesian community, speaks to the ongoing socio-economic marginalisation of Indonesian and other diaspora communities in the west.
  • High-tech startup success stories shouldn’t hide that the Indonesian economy and population are relying primarily on micro and small businesses that are low-tech and low-growth. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) recently launched an industry roadmap, “Making Indonesia 4.0” and here is why microenterprises need more support.
  • When it comes to hacking Jakarta’s infamous traffic jams, motorbike taxis such as Go-Jek and Grab are most common solutions to get around the city fast and cheap. What about for two or more people commuting together? Bajaj Qute is now the latest example of entrepreneurial traffic in Indonesia’s capital.
  • Fluffy Lamb may be a tiny stall at the corner of Fremantle Markets, but it has just been named one of the top Indonesian restaurants in the world.
  • If you are planning to head to the Indonesian Film Festival, check out VICE’s interview with Mouly Surya, the director of Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts who does not believe talent is everything.

Events

  • Darwin, 18 – 20 April – Check out the last day of Mini Indonesian Film Festival held at Deckchair Cinema.
  • Canberra, 22 April – Come take part in an authentic Aussie BBQ and meet some new friends at AIYA Bush BBQ! There will be traditional Aussie foods like pavlova and a sausage sizzle (halal and veggie options are also available).
  • Yogyakarta, 23 April – Celebrating Kartini Day, AIYA Yogyakarta will have a Dialog and Talkshow on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Indonesia. This event is free, in Indonesian, and open for public!
  • Sydney 3 – 26 April – Visit Fountain Court at Parliament House to check out Jesslyn Putri Imelda’s painting exhibition this month! With the theme of The World, Through Colours, Jesslyn’s work showcasing Indonesia can be seen from 9 am – 5 pm.
  • Melbourne, 26 April – 2 May – The annual Indonesian Film Festival returns, with some of the biggest films of the past year. Get your tickets now to Pengabdi Setan, Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts, Banda and more!
  • Perth, 4 May – Join AIYA WA for the next business breakfast hosted by Australia Indonesia Business Council (AIBC) with Ambassador to Australia for Indonesia, H.E. Mr Y. Kristiarto S. Legowo and Hon. Bill Johnston MLA will also be addressing this gathering. We look forward to seeing you there!
  • Sydney, 18 May – Join the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre’s annual Politics in Action Forum, bringing political updates from Southeast Asia to researchers and practitioners from across the disciplines and beyond.

Opportunities

  • Join AIYA National! We are on the hunt for a Web and IT Officer. We have extended the deadline to 4 May so be sure to apply before then!
  • Join AIYA QLD! The Chapter is looking for new team members to join the committee. Check out the open job descriptions and find out how you can apply here. Yuk!
  • Join AIYA Jakarta! AIYA Jakarta is looking to fill the roles of Events Officer, Membership and Partnerships Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, Communications Officer, and General Committee Member at its upcoming AGM in April. If you would like to be part of the AIYA Jakarta team, please send a one-page expression of interest and your CV to [email protected].
  • CAUSINDY (Conference of Australian and Indonesian Youth) is looking for passionate young Australian and Indonesian professionals to join the team for the upcoming conference as Chief Comms Officer, Tech Officer, Digital Content Office, and Programs Officer. Check out the job descriptions and how you can apply here.
  • The National Australia Indonesia Language Awards (NAILA) is looking for volunteers! Check out the open roles here and how you can be part of a team dedicated to improving the bilateral relationship and Indonesian language studies in Australia. Applications are due on 30 April 2018.
  • Applications for the AIC’s ReelOzInd! Short Film Festival are now open! This year’s theme is ‘Youth’. Ayo, bikin film, yuk!
  • The Indonesia Australia Partnership for Infrastructure (KIAT) program is looking for a Program Officer – Private Sector Engagement. Applications close on 24 April 2018. For more information, please click here.
  • Australia Awards in Indonesia is pleased to announce that applications for Australia Awards Scholarships are now open until 30 April. The scholarships provide opportunities for individuals to gain an internationally recognised master or doctoral qualification from an Australian university and have the chance to pursue a career that makes a difference.
  • Following the recent announcement of the retirement of ACICIS Founding Director, ACICIS Study Indonesia is inviting interested parties to enquire about the Consortium Director’s role that will be advertised through The University of Western Australia in the coming months. Click here for more information regarding the call for expressions of interest for the role.
  • Learning a language? Get Indonesian & English language help with UniBRIDGE Project.

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