Indonesia In-depth

By In-depth Creative

What's Indonesia In-depth about?

We explore what’s beneath the surface of an otherwise simplified or overlooked discourse in Indonesia; capturing the innermost stories of the people and events at the beating hearts of Indonesia's politics and culture.

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Indonesia In-depth episodes:

02.23.2022
Trailer - Trisno.
From a small town in Central Java to a high-profile political court case in the nation’s capital; Trisno, a young boy trying to make a living as a housekeeper, is suddenly fast-forwarded into Jakarta life. Between internal turmoils and drastic...
09.09.2021
Komando In The Ring
Coming from two generations of high ranking military leaders, Dimas grew up wanting nothing else than to become a soldier too. But it was only when Dimas moved to Hawaii in the late 1990s that he unexpectedly found a way...
06.14.2021
The Tiger Cubs
Election is a contest with a winner, but what if the only way to "win" is to make sure "nobody" wins? Since Indonesia began the process to hold election concurrently in 2015, there have been more and more cases of empty...
05.24.2021
The Making of a National Food Culture (Part 2)
Though Indomie is one of Indonesian's most iconic brands, its true origin is largely misunderstood. As Indonesians began to accept wheat-based products as part of their daily diet, instant noodles manufacturers flourished--beginning with Supermi. But it was Soeharto's masterplan with...
05.03.2021
The Making of a National Food Culture (Part 1)
How did instant noodles become a staple food for Indonesians? How did Indomie become Indonesia’s most iconic brand? Through the lens of two generations, we trace back the series of accidental events; from historic famine, a move for political and...
05.03.2021
Season 4 of Indonesia In-depth is launching today!
Our podcast feeds has been a bit quiet recently, but that's because we have been hard at work pitching, interviewing, editing and building stories. Indonesia In-depth has evolved into a seasonal podcast, fully committed to long-form narrative series. We hope...
02.19.2021
What's New from Indonesia In-depth?
We’ve got some big news! We’ve been off the grid for a while but that’s for a good reason. Indonesia In-depth is evolving into a seasonal podcast and fully committed to long-form narrative series. Our debut will be released soon!...
12.30.2020
Indonesia In-Studio E3: The Sound of 2020
2020 is coming to an end, and to be honest, we can’t wait! Through musical instruments, sounds, and melodies, Tanita and Rizki paint a picture of what the team went through in this unprecedented year. In this episode of Indonesia...
11.10.2020
Going Back to Indirect Elections?
One of the major changes to Indonesia following the fall of Soeharto and Reformasi was decentralization and a shift to a direct ballot election system. The aim? To ensure that local legislatures were not simply a rubber stamp of Jakarta. ...
09.22.2020
Indonesia In-Documentary - Where Do We Draw The Line?
Between May - July 1945, members of the Investigative Committee for Preparatory Work for Independence (BPUPKI) deliberated on what territories should be included in a future Republic of Indonesia, if Japan granted independence. Should the new state stretch from Southern...
08.30.2020
Maritime As A Source Of Power?
President Widodo promised to return Indonesia to a maritime power when he first took office in 2014. It was one of Widodo’s major platform policies and there was a lot talk about it in his presidential campaign that year and...
07.29.2020
Indonesia In-Documentary: Anywhere But Home
There are more and more Nigerians fleeing to Indonesia. Why is this the case? Though the local media may have portrayed them more as online scammers and drug dealers, the reality is most of them are just trying to find a...
07.25.2020
Trailer - Anywhere But Home
To flee to a foreign country you barely know and not knowing the language can be scary. But for many Nigerians youths, like Lucas (not his real name), going anywhere but home is necessary. The situation in Nigeria has pushed...
07.22.2020
Local, Central, & the Blame Game
Prior to the pandemic there was push by major parties, such as PDI-P, Golkar and Gerindra, to bring more power back to the central government. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we saw some local leaders taking the initiative with battling the...
05.15.2020
Economic Challenges - with Economist Faisal Basri
The Central Government has prevented provincial leaders, such as Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan, from implementing a lockdown, despite the fact that Jakarta is the country’s epicentre for the Covid-19 virus. The president says that a lockdown would cripple the country’s...
04.28.2020
What's In A Number?
The Indonesian public has been fixated on the official number for Covid-19 cases and deaths during the pandemic. Indonesia’s numbers appear to be far lower than other countries given its 270 million people, but we wondered, how accurate is this...
04.25.2020
How Do We Know Who to Believe for What Now?
When we ask ourselves how people would even begin to conceive and believe in conspiracy theories and hoaxes during a critical time such as this pandemic, we find that it is so much more than just an issue of how...
03.30.2020
No Time for Maritime
During his first term in office, President Widodo promised to return Indonesia to its maritime roots and establish the country as a maritime power. Some may wonder though, how did the world’s largest archipelagic state loose its maritime roots to...
02.24.2020
Indonesia In-Documentary: (Mis) Understood Silence
When the international community condemned the arbitrary detention, mass surveillance, political indoctrination and restrictions on religious activity of the Muslim minority Uyghur ethnic group in 2019, most of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) members instead endorsed China’s treatment of...
02.11.2020
Indonesia In-Ten E3: Indonesia's Shifting Political Landscape
The drama over who will fill Jakarta's empty deputy governor seat is less about local politics and more about Gerindra's desire to rebuild its old relationship with PDIP at the national level. Nothing is permanent when it comes to relationships...
02.05.2020
Indonesia In-Ten E2: Jakarta's 2022 Election Canceled
Anies Baswedan eyed the Jakarta governor's seat as a stepping stone to the presidential palace, but he will likely be politically "neutralized" before the next presidential election. Although Anies may have high name recognition, ambitions for the presidency will likely be...
01.24.2020
Indonesia In-Studio E2: A Piece of the Recording Puzzle
From unknown gadgets to the vice president's table, what do some of our team members believe is the most important object/equipment when recording our podcast episodes? Apparently, it's not as obvious as you think! In this Indonesia In-Studio episode, Tanita...
01.17.2020
Out With The New, In With The Old
Indonesia’s political liberties have progressed since the reformation era began in 1998. However, in recent years, civil liberties in the country appear to be eroding with laws and regulations that limit freedom of expression, freedom of the press and instances...
01.06.2020
Indonesia In-Ten: Megawati & Jokowi
President Jokowi has been in office since 2014 and was just re-elected for a second term last October. He’s a member of the PDIP party, but is not as influential in the party as some might expect. In fact, most...
12.26.2019
Indonesia In-Studio: Unexpected Interviews & A Newfound Interest
Ever wonder what it takes to produce our episodes? There is an entire process that goes into each and every one and often times they are not as simple as record and publish! The process includes brainstorming, research, finding the...
11.18.2019
Floating Hospital & A Sinking Healthcare System
Launched in 2014, Indonesia’s Healthcare and Social Security Agency, locally known as BPJS Health, administers universal health care to millions of Indonesians through a heavily subsidized scheme. Although policy makers have good intentions, it's running an approximately US$1.49 billion deficit...
11.04.2019
Compromises, Equalizers & Dynasties
President Widodo set lofty goals when he took office in 2014 and many have yet to be achieved. Hoping to achieve them in his second term, Widodo’s newly-formed cabinet has raised serious questions as to whether those goals are attainable....
10.29.2019
Indonesia's 21-year Transition to Democracy
This is a special live event edition of Indonesia In-depth. Indonesia began its transition to democracy in 1998 amid a simultaneous political, social and economic crisis. While the country has made tremendous progress with important economic and political reforms, Indonesia...
10.15.2019
"This is not an insult, it's just a critique!"
The Indonesian parliament has delayed passing the controversial new amendments to the criminal code, which dates back to the Dutch Colonial Era. Widodo backtracked his support at the last minute after public protests against the bill which is viewed as...
08.26.2019
The Future of Dining
Technology has changed the way we consume our food and beverages, and consequently, the way business players run their businesses. The rapidly penetrating online food delivery services and the rise of virtual kitchens along with traffic jams and a busy...
08.12.2019
What It Takes To Rig An Election
The 2019 election has ended but the discourse of “election fraud” in Indonesia remains foggy and tends to shun away from the statistical elements that makes up the election itself. The Constitutional Court rejected Prabowo’s challenge to the 2019 presidential...
07.24.2019
A Receding Wave of Optimism in Myanmar
On this “Special International Edition” of Indonesia In-depth - A wave of optimism flowed over Myanmar in 2010 when the military leadership began the slow process of opening up the country and implementing both economic and democratic reforms. At the...
07.12.2019
E33: "The election system is broken"...again
Presidential contender, Prabowo Subianto and his political coalition, rejected the official presidential election results announced by the General Election Commission (KPU) and filed a lawsuit in the Constitutional Court citing that “structural, systematic and massive electoral fraud” occurred. His challenge...
07.11.2019
"The election system is broken”… again?
Presidential contender, Prabowo Subianto and his political coalition, rejected the official presidential election results announced by the General Election Commission (KPU) and filed a lawsuit in the Constitutional Court citing that “structural, systematic and massive electoral fraud” had occurred. His...
06.21.2019
E32: Happiness On Loan
We start with this question: Is there an alternative for borrowers to take loans safely without resorting to predatory loan sharks? But our quest to seek answers reveal how complicated Indonesians’ relationship with loans are. The obstacles with financial inclusivity...
06.21.2019
Happiness On Loan
We start with this question: Are there any alternatives for borrowers to take loans safely without resorting to predatory loan sharks? But our quest to seek answers reveal how complicated Indonesians’ relationship with loans are. The obstacles with financial inclusivity...
04.26.2019
One-on-one with Jusuf Kalla
Jusuf Kalla is known as prominent businessman turned veteran politician, serving two five-year terms as vice president for two different presidents. He was the critical figure in mediating peace in Aceh along with conflicts in Poso and Ambon and has...
04.26.2019
One-on-one with Jusuf Kalla
We had the honor and privilege to interview Vice President, Jusuf Kalla, on April 18, 2019, less than 24 hours after the nationwide elections. Kalla is known as prominent businessman turned veteran politician, serving two five-year terms as vice president...
04.16.2019
Appreciating Indonesia’s Democratic Election
Some people, primarily among the international community, question whether the 2019 Indonesian elections will be free and fair, void of voter irregularities and/or violence. But are these concerns well-grounded? Do we need to be worried? Shawn believes that these concerns...
04.16.2019
Appreciating Indonesia’s Democratic Election
Some people, primarily among the international community, question whether the 2019 Indonesian elections will be free and fair, void of voter irregularities and/or violence. But are these concerns well-grounded? Do we need to be worried? Shawn believes that these concerns...
03.22.2019
E29: ASEAN Through the Lens of a Human Rights Activist Working Inside ASEAN
Although ASEAN has been under fire for its powerlessness in the face of several human rights atrocities such as attacks on Rohingya ethnic minority in Myanmar, internal ASEAN officials, some of whom have lengthy human rights activism experience, remain optimistic...
03.22.2019
ASEAN Through the Lens of a Human Rights Activist Working Inside ASEAN
Although ASEAN has been under fire for its powerlessness in the face of several human rights atrocities such as attacks on Rohingya ethnic minority in Myanmar, internal ASEAN officials, some of whom have lengthy human rights activism experience, remain optimistic...
03.01.2019
E28: Lost in Labels
What is wrong with foreign media’s portrayal to a Muslim figure who calls out other Muslims? How could it be harmful? Join us with Sakdiyah Ma’ruf, a brilliant stand-up comedian who gained international recognition for her stand against Islamic fundamentalism...
03.01.2019
Lost in Labels
What is wrong with foreign media’s portrayal to a Muslim figure who calls out other Muslims? How could it be harmful? Join us with Sakdiyah Ma’ruf, a brilliant stand-up comedian who gained international recognition for her stand against Islamic fundamentalism...
01.30.2019
E27: Simultaneously Strenuous
Despite its importance, not a lot has been discussed about the upcoming legislative election that will take place at the same day with the presidential election. The legislative election this year is going to be tougher as changes in various...
01.30.2019
Simultaneously Strenuous
Despite its significance, not much has been discussed about the upcoming legislative and presidential election that will be held concurrently for the first time. The legislative election this year is going to be tougher as changes in various laws influence...
01.17.2019
E26: Indonesian Presidential Debates: Do They Matter?
As part of the upcoming 2019 legislative and presidential elections in April, the Indonesian Election Committee (KPU) will conduct the first official presidential debate on the January 17. The themes for this first debate are some of the most strategic...
01.17.2019
Indonesian Presidential Debates: Do They Matter?
As part of the upcoming 2019 legislative and presidential elections in April, the Indonesian Election Committee (KPU) will conduct the first official presidential debate on 17 January. The themes for this first debate are some of the most strategic and...
12.21.2018
Electronic Nationalism
How do everyday Indonesian youths express their nationalism and how do they reconcile it with their interests? This episode is transporting you to the mind and works of Alffy Rev, the man behind the electronic remixes of Indonesian national songs...
12.21.2018
E25: Electronic Nationalism
How do everyday Indonesian youths express their nationalism and how do they reconcile it with their interests? This episode is transporting you to the mind and works of Alffy Rev, the man behind the electronic remixes of Indonesian national songs...

What's Indonesia In-depth about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Indonesia In-depth episodes:

Trailer - Trisno.

Komando In The Ring

The Tiger Cubs

The Making of a National Food Culture (Part 2)

The Making of a National Food Culture (Part 1)

Season 4 of Indonesia In-depth is launching today!

What's New from Indonesia In-depth?

Indonesia In-Studio E3: The Sound of 2020

Going Back to Indirect Elections?

Indonesia In-Documentary - Where Do We Draw The Line?

Maritime As A Source Of Power?

Indonesia In-Documentary: Anywhere But Home

Trailer - Anywhere But Home

Local, Central, & the Blame Game

Economic Challenges - with Economist Faisal Basri

What's In A Number?

How Do We Know Who to Believe for What Now?

No Time for Maritime

Indonesia In-Documentary: (Mis) Understood Silence

Indonesia In-Ten E3: Indonesia's Shifting Political Landscape

Indonesia In-Ten E2: Jakarta's 2022 Election Canceled

Indonesia In-Studio E2: A Piece of the Recording Puzzle

Out With The New, In With The Old

Indonesia In-Ten: Megawati & Jokowi

Indonesia In-Studio: Unexpected Interviews & A Newfound Interest

Floating Hospital & A Sinking Healthcare System

Compromises, Equalizers & Dynasties

Indonesia's 21-year Transition to Democracy

"This is not an insult, it's just a critique!"

The Future of Dining

What It Takes To Rig An Election

A Receding Wave of Optimism in Myanmar

E33: "The election system is broken"...again

"The election system is broken”… again?

E32: Happiness On Loan

Happiness On Loan

One-on-one with Jusuf Kalla

One-on-one with Jusuf Kalla

Appreciating Indonesia’s Democratic Election

Appreciating Indonesia’s Democratic Election

E29: ASEAN Through the Lens of a Human Rights Activist Working Inside ASEAN

ASEAN Through the Lens of a Human Rights Activist Working Inside ASEAN

E28: Lost in Labels

Lost in Labels

E27: Simultaneously Strenuous

Simultaneously Strenuous

E26: Indonesian Presidential Debates: Do They Matter?

Indonesian Presidential Debates: Do They Matter?

Electronic Nationalism

E25: Electronic Nationalism

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