Around 9:30 p.m., during a campaign stop in Malang, East Java, the dancers began to be possessed by bull spirits. Islamic prayers were recited to open the ceremony. Then music blared from speakers, whips cracked, and incense was heavy in the air as the participants in the bantengan, pairs draped in cloth like a pantomime … Read more
The growing political involvement of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s most prominent Islamic organization, ahead of next month’s election marks a significant departure from its foundational ethos. Established in 1926 primarily as a social entity, NU’s recent political foray raises concerns about its adherence to its original khittah, the framework guiding its principles and actions. This … Read more
Advertisement The recent announcement that Anies Baswedan and Muhaimin Iskandar, colloquially known as Cak Imin will be running as presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the Coalition of Change for Unity (KPP) is nothing short of seismic in Indonesian politics. This coalition brings together the National Democratic Party (Nasdem), Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), and National Awakening … Read more