Decades of trade, migration, and state policies intertwine to shape people’s families and histories. In the Aru Islands, Dhesly Salay goes on a journey to learn more about her genealogy, and try to understand why her parents are so keen to exercise control over who she marries.

Author Archives: Ian Morse
Ian Morse is a journalist based in Gorontalo and covering eastern Indonesia and Kalimantan. He tweets @ianjmorse.
Indonesia Votes
It’s 17 April and Indonesians across the country are heading to the polls. New Naratif’s editors in Indonesia are on the ground bringing us the sights and sounds of the 2019 election.
Southeast Asia Dispatches — The Indonesian Election
Indonesia is heading to the polls on 17 April. Incumbent president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is fighting for a second term with his new vice-presidential pick Ma’ruf Amin, an influential Muslim cleric. They’re facing off against former army general Prabowo Subianto and former deputy governor of Jakarta Sandiaga Uno. New Naratif’s Indonesian team sit down to discuss the candidates, the hot-button issues, and their predictions.
“Lust Has To Be Managed”
Female circumcision is widely practiced across Indonesia. Despite the claims of some advocates of the procedure, it’s not just symbolic and can cause long term health issues and trauma.