National hero, Javanese mystic, pious Muslim, and leader of the "holy war" against the Dutch between 1825 and 1830, the Yogyakarta prince, Dipanagara, is pre-eminent in the pantheon of modern Indonesian historical figures. This is the first full biography based on Dutch and Javanese sources. The … [Read more...]
Writing Indonesia
Kopi Dulu
April 21, 2025 by
Kopi Dulu, a journey of 15,000 kilometres – by rail, road, on foot and under sail – through about 50 Indonesian islands, shining a light on what has been described as the world’s most invisible country. From tracking tigers (and the mythical ‘short man’) in the Sumatra jungle to the mystical … [Read more...]
A Brief History of Indonesia
April 21, 2025 by
Sultans, Spices, and Tsunamis: The Incredible Story of the World's Largest Archipelago Indonesia is by far the largest nation in Southeast Asia and has the fourth largest population in the world after the United States. Indonesian history and culture are especially relevant today as the Island … [Read more...]
Indonesia Etc.
April 20, 2025 by
Indonesia, Etc.: Exploring the Improbable Nation is a 2014 travel book by epidemiologist and former journalist Elizabeth Pisani. It follows her travels throughout Indonesia in 2012 and 2013. It received generally favourable critical reviews. In 1945, Indonesia's declaration of independence … [Read more...]
Kartini
April 20, 2025 by
In Indonesia, the legacy of Raden Ajeng Kartini (1879-1904) is celebrated on Kartini Day, every year on April 21. Around the world, Kartini is recognized as a major figure in the history of the advancement of women: a tireless and effective advocate of women's education and emancipation. However, … [Read more...]