Politics

• 

  Ahok steps in to head Jakarta government

  2014-06-03

  "It will be a challenge, but I will try to do my best," says the capital's new acting Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama.

• 

  Indonesia's Yudhoyono speaks out against Islamic statehood

  2014-05-21

  The notion of establishing an Islamic state in Indonesia is contrary to the Pancasila spirit of pluralism, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said.

• 

  Bylaw on non-Muslims in Aceh not enforceable: experts

  2014-04-29

  Islamic criminal codes go further than the laws they are meant to implement, professor says.

• 

  Indonesia's largest Muslim groups declare electoral neutrality

  2014-02-11

  Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah will not back any candidates in 2014 polls.

• 

  Home minister's FPI statements spark controversy

  2013-11-14

  Religious leaders, legislators and regular people say Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) should be penalized, not rewarded, for its use of violence and intimidation.

• 

  Threats of violence impact Aceh elections

  2013-08-27

  Some candidates in Aceh are reporting threats and intimidation, ahead of the 2014 vote. Will political passions lead to election violence?

• 

  Timor-Leste poised to win ASEAN membership

  2013-05-16

  Asia's youngest country is aiming to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and now has the backing of all its members.

• 

  Activists urge Indonesia to free captive dolphins

  2013-05-13

  Forestry minister calls using the wild sea mammals in travelling circuses "intolerable"

• 

  Prospect of e-voting draws mixed reaction in Indonesia

  2013-05-09

  There are many risks associated with e-voting technology, and many politicians and academicians are sceptical about implementing it in the 2014 election.

• 

  Incumbents hang on in tight Malaysian election

  2013-05-08

  Sunday's results were a bitter surprise for the opposition, which had hoped to throw Prime Minister Najib Razak out of office. With widespread accusations of irregularities at the polls, the mood is likely to remain polarised.

• 

  New Indonesian province raises regional hopes—and environmental concerns

  2012-12-13

  The North Kalimantan Province is expected to boost democracy, development and security in the area.

• 

  Gus Dur recalled as a beacon of tolerance

  2012-10-16

  Students, government ministers and Indonesians of many faiths pause to praise their fourth president after his death.

• 

  Security in Aceh still fragile, experts say

  2012-09-06

  Aceh's new governor is urged to co-operate fully with national, local security forces, and to calm lingering political tensions.

• 

  Indonesia: Sharia law pushes limits of local authority

  2012-06-13

  The home ministry says it will call Tasikmalaya leaders for a meeting about their plans to impose Islamic law, including a requirement for women to wear headscarves in public.

• 

  As Burma opens up, migrant workers dream of home

  2012-04-30

  Migrants working in Thailand say democratic changes in Burma could enable them to return.

• 

  Malaysia celebrates its second-time king

  2012-04-18

  The coronation of Malaysia's new king comes with it a first for the country as Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah becomes the first person to be crowned twice.

• 

  Cameron: Indonesia a model of democracy and Islam

  2012-04-12

  Don't let extremists tar the reputation of Islam by turning it into a "closed and warped ideology", British Prime Minister David Cameron said Thursday, lauding Indonesia for providing a successful example of democracy in the Muslim world.

• 

  Yudhoyono: moderation the right path for Indonesia

  2012-02-29

  Indonesia's blend of Islam and democratic values is the key to its future, the country's president says.

• 

  Malaysian think tank gets high marks in prestigious global ranking

  2012-02-20

  A Malaysian think tank is rated 16th best in Asia.

• 

  Opposition, government hope to gain from Anwar acquittal

  2012-01-09

  A surprise ruling clears the way for Anwar Ibrahim to lead Malaysia's main opposition parties into the next election. Meanwhile, the Najib administration argues the verdict shows it has followed through on its pledges.

• 

  Lawmakers on the clock to wrap up new constitution

  2012-01-03

  Can lawmakers overcome a political rift and finish the job before their term is up?