Just Over One Month to Go: Nine Conversations You Won't Want to Miss at the Indonesia Update 2026

With just over one month to go until the Indonesia Update 2026 on 18–19 September, anticipation is building for Australia's leading annual forum on contemporary Indonesia.

This year's conference, Islamic Diversity in Indonesia, brings together leading scholars and practitioners to explore the many ways religion intersects with politics, law, society, culture and everyday life in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country. Across two days, speakers will challenge assumptions, share new research and examine some of the most significant issues shaping Indonesia today.

Whether your interests are in politics, international relations, religion, gender, law or society, the Indonesia Update offers conversations that go well beyond the headlines.

Nine conversations you won't want to miss

1. Love Across Faiths

Can interfaith marriage really work? As Indonesia continues to negotiate the relationship between religion, law and personal choice, what does the future hold for couples from different faiths?

2. Who Gets to Speak for Islam?

"Fake Habib?" Who gets to claim religious authority? Religious authority is evolving in the digital age. Who shapes religious opinion, and why are questions of legitimacy becoming increasingly contested?

3. Indonesia's Model of Moderate Islam

Can Indonesia show the world a new path? Indonesia is often recognised for promoting religious moderation. What does this look like in practice, and what lessons might it offer beyond its borders?

4. Finding Common Ground Through Humour

Can laughter build bridges across religious differences? Comedy can entertain, but it can also challenge stereotypes and create space for dialogue. Can humour help strengthen social cohesion?

5. Muslim Women and the Future of Politics

Can Muslim women transform Indonesian politics? Women are playing increasingly influential roles in public life, community leadership and politics. How are they reshaping Indonesia's democratic future?

6. Three Legal Systems, One Society

Why is it so difficult to balance religious law, customary law and state law? Indonesia's legal landscape brings together Islamic law, customary traditions and the modern state. How do these systems interact, and where do tensions emerge?

7. Mining, Development and Faith

Can religion and economic interests coexist? As religious organisations become more involved in natural resource governance, what opportunities and ethical challenges arise?

8. Indonesia on the Global Stage

Peace, diplomacy and Indonesia's international role. Indonesia is playing an increasingly important role in regional and global diplomacy. What drives this engagement, and why does it matter?

9. Protecting Diversity

Who safeguards religious freedom and minority rights? How can Indonesia continue to foster religious diversity while protecting minority communities in an increasingly complex social and political landscape?

Join the conversation

For more than four decades, the Indonesia Update has brought together academics, policymakers, students, journalists and members of the public to explore the issues shaping contemporary Indonesia.

This year's conference promises fresh insights into one of Australia's closest neighbours at a time when questions of religion, identity and social change continue to influence Indonesia's future.

If you're curious about Indonesia beyond the headlines, join us in Canberra on 18–19 September to hear from leading experts and take part in the conversations shaping one of the world's most dynamic and diverse societies.

Just Over One Month to Go: Nine Conversations You Won't Want to Miss at the Indonesia Update 2026