Dialogika

In this episode, Stephanie’s back as we address the recent suicide bombings that happened in Surabaya this past weekend, which hit a number of churches and reignited fears of terrorism as it emerged that the attackers were a family led by fundamentalist extremists under the teachings of ISIS. The fact that these attacks occurred on the week of the 20th anniversary of the May 1998 riots have generated even more worries among Indonesians, especially Chinese-Indonesians, who have historically been targeted as an ethnic and religious minority group. We talk about our reactions to hearing the news (as we both are currently living outside of Indonesia) and discuss President Jokowi’s call for Parliament to quickly pass revisions to current anti-terrorism laws in order to give the police and military forces more power to fight terrorism. While we understand where the government is coming from, there are significant concerns to these revisions, as it may give the military huge amounts of power to invade people’s privacy and violate civil liberties in the name of security — which, given the significance of this week, is a scary reminder of what happened 20 years ago.

Our thoughts are with everyone in Surabaya #BersatuLawanTeroris #KamiTidakTakut

Thanks for listening!

For those interested in learning more about the topic, we’ve provided links to resources as well as other recommended readings.

Indonesia attacks: How Islamic State is galvanising support — courtesy of BBC

Surabaya attacks: Parents who bring their children to die — courtesy of BBC

Bagaimana para perempuan menjadi pelaku teror dan membawa anak? — courtesy of BBC Indonesia

In wake of Indonesia church bombings, netizens get real about debating role of religion in terrorism — courtesy of Coconuts Jakarta

What is JAD? Terror group behind Mako Brimob riot, Surabaya bombings
— courtesy of The Jakarta Post

Indonesian Military expected to play greater role in counterterrorism — courtesy of The Jakarta Post

President Joko Widodo urges parliament to pass revised anti-terrorism law or he’ll issue decree by June — courtesy of Coconuts Jakarta

Lest We Forget, May 1998 — courtesy of the Jakarta Post

 

 

 

MUSIC CREDITS:

SOUL HIGH by RYAN LITTLE

MONTMARTRE by JAHZAAR

NIGHT OWL and THE GREAT by BROKE FOR FREE