Editor

Op-Ed: Don’t Misuse Welfare For The Poor, Robertus Robet

“Why is social affairs in Indonesia synonymous with inefficiency, misuse, and corruption?”

Journal Article: Muslim Material Culture in 15th-C Northern Sumatra

Islamisation and the formation of vernacular Muslim material culture in 15th-century northern Sumatra: Indonesia and the Malay World Journal Article By R. Michael Feener, Patrick Daly, E. Edwards McKinnon, Luca Lum En-Ci, Ardiansyah, Nizamuddin, Nazli Ismail, Tai Yew Seng, Jessica Rahardjo & Kerry Sieh Abstract Extract.. “This study presents a distinctive type of Muslim gravestone…

Short Story: Mrs Geni in December By Arswendo Atmowiloto

“I’ve never thought about getting divorced. Have I thought about killing him? Often.”

Podcast: Moving Indonesia’s Capital Turns Out To Be Not Just Talk By Asumsi Bersuara

“Moving Indonesia’s Capital Turns Out To Be Not Just Talk” Podcast from Asumsi Bersuara with Rayestu, Featuring Bambang Brodjonegoro

A Shred From The Diary of Indonesia

We are very simple people and do not know our Minds are steered bit through the nose and doused in perfume Backsides prodded and we bellow meaninglessly We who are too simple and forgiving chattering amongst ourselves like small children running around with crackers then falling sound asleep after being fed sponge cake and chewing…

A Shred From the Diary of Indonesia: A Collection of Poetry By Emha Ainun Nadjib

Poetry is not something achieved, but something journeyed towards. Poetry is not something that is held, but a journey to be traveled. Poetry is not something to be grasped or stored in a wallet, but rather something to be cherished and longed for.

Journal Article: Diplomatic Desperation of a Small State

Raja Bersiong figures as the abject, the symbolic surrogate for Siam to be expelled from Kedah, embodying a dialectics between Kedah and Siam, self and other, civility and savagery.

Short Story: Shoot Seven People Dead By Ahmad Tohari

“…He raises the AK-47. His palms are moist. He consciously assumes a brave firing pose. Right index finger tightens on the trigger…”

Journal Article: 18th Century Qur’anic readings and Malay translation

Journal Article: Qur’anic readings and Malay translation in 18th-century Banten Qur’ans A.51 and W.277

Short Story: The Poetic Journey of a Contract Hit Man By Surya Gemilang

“..the person who needs my services this time is a teenage high school boy, not a government official, or someone like that, quite apart from how he finds out where I live, or where he gets the sort of dough he needs to pay me..”

Short Story: Funny Story About Gun Shots By Surya Gemilang

…Sarimin’s gun suddenly pumped a bullet into the back of his head. Pajenong collapsed instantly.

Short Story: Sandalwood Fan by Gerson Poyk

Sandalwood Fan By Gerson Poyk I live completely alone, but I can still live well enough because I don’t depend on anyone else. I can eat three meals a day. I can live in one rented room where there’s a couch, a bathroom and a kitchen. At the back outside, there’s a covered roof that…

Poem: Language, Nation By Muhammad Yamin, 1921

Language, Nation By Muhammad Yamin, 1921 “What you have inherited from your fathers, earn over again for yourselves or it will not be yours.” Goethe While still small and young in years The little child nestles in her mother’s lap, Singing soft songs and lullabies her mother Beams over her child overflowing with joy; She…

History: The Bugis Kingdom of Bone, Sulawesi By The British Library

“To what extent does this collection of manuscripts now in the British Library represent the contents of the royal library of Bone? The answer is probably: only partially…”

History: Maria Ullfah, Mother of Indonesia’s National Women’s Day

Dutch East Indies Students in Holland, 1932. Maria Ullfah (right) would go on to become the first woman bachelor of laws from the Dutch East Indies. (Source: @Potretlawas)