Rizieq’s arrest no progress for Indonesia’s religious minorities
5 February 2021
Author: Yohanes Sulaiman, Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani
Firebrand and head of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) Muhamad Rizieq returned to Indonesia from his exile in Saudi Arabia on 10 November 2020. To show off his political clout, his return was greeted by a throng of supporters who have since held half a dozen large crowded events. His return has raised concerns that his command over many loyal followers will embolden radicals to launch a self-proclaimed ‘moral revolution’ in Indonesia.
President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo responded by demanding security authorities ‘take firm action’ against anyone violating COVID-19 guidelines. His instruction led the National Police to sack the police chiefs of West Java and Jakarta for failing to stop Rizieq from breaking health protocols. The police then decided to act, summoning Rizieq for questioning over breaches of health protocols. Rizieq�
19 January 2021
Author: Evan Laksmana, CSIS Indonesia
There has been a flurry of high-level security engagements between the United States and Indonesia in recent months. In mid-October, Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto visited the United States after being barred from entering the country for over two decades due to human rights concerns. This paved the way for high-level US officials visiting Jakarta, including the Secretary of State and the Acting Secretary of Defence.
From Washington’s point of view, Indonesia remains an important regional strategic prize regardless of election outcomes. Given Indonesia’s location at the heart of the Indo-Pacific, which side Jakarta backs in the US–China strategic competition matters a great deal. Coupled with its strong regional and economic potential, Indonesia could be the fulcrum that tilts the strategic balance one way or the other.