‘Gangster’ Politics? Examining Protest, Power, and Poverty in Indonesia

Fulcrum editor and Coordinator, Indonesia Studies Programme, Julia Lau speaks to Dr Ian Wilson about power, politics, and popular culture, including the phenomenon of 'preman' in today's Indonesia.

1:35 – Unpacking the causes of the violent protests in Indonesia in August 2025

9:00 – Prevalence of Preman ('Gangster') politics in Indonesia today

17:56 – Contrasting contemporary Indonesian politics with New Order politics

27:50 – Popular culture ('One Piece') and the evolution of protests and resistance in Indonesia's networked society

33:18 – The trajectory of Indonesian democracy

38:40 – Implications of inadequate efforts to address urban poverty in Indonesia

46:20 – Ian Wilson’s academic journey and tips for aspiring young scholars

Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.