Beyond the MENA Mirage: Indonesia’s Unseen Bond with the Islamic World

Indonesia's Islamic World Connection: Beyond MENA

For many in the West, the “Islamic World” conjures images of bustling souks in Cairo, ancient mosques in Istanbul, or vast desert landscapes stretching across the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa. This region, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has long dominated our perception of Islam’s global reach and political currents. Yet, this geographical … Read more

Indonesia’s Public Caning: Affection, Law, and Cultural Divides

Indonesia's Public Caning: Affection, Law, and Cultural Divides

In the heart of Indonesia, on a day that etched itself into the collective memory of the faithful, two men found themselves at the center of a stark public spectacle. Not for any grand political offense or heinous crime, but for the simple, human act of embracing and kissing each other. The scene, unfolding under … Read more