Muhammad Rizieq Shihab, the leader of Indonesian Islamic Defenders’ Front, is greeted by supporters in Tanah Abang, Jakarta, Nov. 10, 2020.

Cleric’s Homecoming Spells Trouble for Indonesia

The clout of Muhammad Rizieq Shihab’s Islamic Defenders’ Front can be felt nationwide and in politics.

Cartoon by Rebel Pepper

Wrestling Match

2020-10-30

Art for BenarNews by political cartoonist Rebel Pepper.

ZunarBenar: Hold on Tight

2020-10-29

A sketch for BenarNews by Malaysian cartoonist Zunar.

Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto salutes to honor guard during a visit to Malaysia’s Ministry of Defense in Kuala Lumpur, Nov. 14, 2019.

Indonesia: Pak Prabowo Goes to Washington

2020-10-15

Prabowo Subianto, a former electoral rival to President Widodo, is now his defense minister but alleged ties to past human rights abuses trail him.

At What Price Beauty?

A hair repair cream made for a beauty shop in “Manila Province of PRC” hit a raw nerve.

Pro-democracy protesters light up their mobile phones as they attend a mass rally in Bangkok to call for the ouster of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha’s government and reforms to the monarchy, Sept. 19, 2020.

Thailand: Generals Face off with New Generation

A new generation of activists has risen to challenge the power of the military and monarchy.

A Thai police officer stands next to demonstrators during a protest demanding the resignation of Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha in Pathum Thani, on the outskirts of Bangkok, July 23, 2020.

No Quick Cure for Political Discontent in Thailand

Despite success in containing the spread of COVID-19, the Thai government is on shaky ground.

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The Geography of Armed Groups in the Southern Philippines

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