Dr. Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat's Personal Homepage

who am i

I am a lecturer, researcher, and disability activist based in Indonesia. I lived in Qatar, and traveled extensively across the Middle East, between 2007 and 2014. I then resided in the UK, and wandered across Europe, from 2014 to 2018.

I am currently a lecturer at the Department of International Relations, Universitas Islam Indonesia in Yogyakarta, while at the same time a research associate at Jakarta-based Institute for Development of Economics and Finance.

academic journey

My academic background is in International Relations, focusing specifically on Middle East and Islamic politics, which originates from a B.A. from Qatar University. This was further shaped by an M.A. in International Politics and a Ph.D in Politics from the University of Manchester in the UK, which I completed at the age of 26.

My undergraduate thesis focused on China's Arab-Israeli conflict policy, while my master dissertation was titled "A Comparative Study of China's Approaches to Its Relationship with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates." In my Ph.D, I deployed neo-Gramscian perspectives to investigate the implementation of China's Belt and Road Initiative in the Gulf.

teaching and research

My areas of research and teaching focus on global political economy, politics of trade and cooperation, as well as China-Middle East-Indonesia relations.

Sometimes, however, I also write on Indonesian affairs, disability issues, and Muslim affairs.

Courses taught:

  • China (Fall 2019; Fall 2020)
  • Middle East (Fall 2019; Fall 2020)
  • Politics of International Cooperation (Spring 2019; Spring 2020)
  • Global Political Economy (Spring 2019)
  • Introduction to Area Studies (Fall 2019)

disability

I am a disabled. I am unable to use my hands to perform certain actions including handwriting. I have written my story as a disabled in my book in Bahasa Indonesia. I have also written a short summary of the book in Bahasa Indonesia and English. I have been invited to speak about my story as disabled; for example, at the University of Northampton's Disability Awareness Week in 2014.

I have a specific interest on Islam and disability. I have written two articles on that subject entitled "Why I Admire Muhammad: A Disability Perspective" and "The Qur'an: A Handbook for the Disabled Community", and I have spoken about the topic at some universities in Indonesia and the UK.

In early 2017, I founded Sekolabilitas, an Indonesia-based NGO focusing on helping students with disabilities in accessing proper education (If you know anyone who need help or you would like to get involved, check the website or contact me).

computers

Besides politics and disability, I also have a profound enthusiasm in computer science, especially open source software and cyber security. On a daily basis, I use Debian and sometimes OpenBSD as my operating systems. In my spare time, I do programming in C, Java, Python, and Pascal.

hiking and backpacking

When I am not teaching or researching, I love to backpack and climb mountains. I have climbed a number of mountains in Indonesia, the Middle East, and Europe. I have also traveled to some parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, Middle East, and I am looking forward seeing more.

contacts

I am available for commissioned (and sometimes voluntary) works, research projects, and public speaking. You can reach me at muhzulfikar [at] gmail [dot] com. Due to my minimalist commitment, I only managed few social media sites including LinkedIn and academia. I also blog about minimalism in Bahasa Indonesia on Tumblr. I only have one phone number and only use my phone's standard dial and messaging apps along with WhatsApp as the main mode of mobile communication (e-mail me if you need my number).

books

  1. Rakhmat, M., and Tarahita, D., Ekonomi Politik Hubungan Tiongkok-Indonesia Tahun 2020 (en:The Political Economy of China-Indonesia Relations in 2020), Jakarta: INDEF, 2020.
  2. Rakhmat, M., and Tarahita, D., COVID-19 di Indonesia (en:COVID-19 di Indonesia), Yogyakarta: UII Press, 2020.
  3. Rakhmat, M., Under the Lantern: Putting the Disabled in Indonesia under Spotlight, Yogyakarta: UII Press, 2019.
  4. Rakhmat, M., and Tarahita, D., Speaking the Unspoken: Narrating Various Social Issues in Indonesia, Yogyakarta: DF Publishing House, 2019.
  5. Rakhmat, M., Inilah Jiħadku (en:This is My Jihad), Jakarta: Gramedia, 2016.

book chapters

  1. Rakhmat, M., "The UK’s 2015 Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill: The Securitisation of the UK Muslim Community" in Isu-Isu Hubungan Internasional (en: Issues in International Relations), Yogyakarta, 2019.
  2. Rakhmat, M., "Enigma Ekonomi Lokal di Jalur Non-Tol Trans Jawa" (en:"The Enigma of Local Economics on Trans-Java Highway") in Sumbang Saran 100 Ekonom Indonesia (en:Contributing Suggestions of 100 Indonesian Economists), Jakarta: Kompas, 2019.
  3. Rakhmat, M., "Qatar and the ASEAN Community", in Herrmann, W, and Lehr, P, eds., ASEAN Looks West: ASEAN and the Gulf Region, Bangkok: White Lotus Press, 2017.

academic journals/reports

  1. Rakhmat, M., "China’s Efforts to Legitimize the Implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative in the Arabian Gulf." Dirasat, 50, 2019.

academic theses

  1. "Exporting the Chinese Dream to Al Khaleej: An Examination of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank as China's Emergent Hegemonic Project in the Gulf." Ph.D Thesis, University of Manchester, 2018 (Available upon request).
  2. "A Comparative Study of China's Approaches to Its Relationship with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates." M.A. Dissertation, University of Manchester, 2015 (Available upon request).
  3. "China's Arab-Israeli Conflict Policy." B.A. Thesis, Qatar University, 2014.

journalistic pieces

  1. "China’s soft-power in the Middle East is not as strong as it is often reported." Global Policy. 21 September 2020.
  2. "Why China may want a military base in Indonesia — and why Indonesia is right to reject the idea." The Conversation. 18 September 2020.
  3. "How the AIIB Grows China’s Interests in the Middle East." The Diplomat. 4 September 2020.
  4. "Why Indonesia Needs to Expand its Assistance to Lebanon?" International Policy Digest. 23 August 2020.
  5. "The Case for Strengthening Indonesia-Oman Ties." 9DashLine. 20 August 2020. (Co-authored)
  6. "What Does the Israel-UAE Agreement Mean for Indonesia?" The Diplomat. 20 August 2020. (Co-authored)
  7. "Indonesia’s Sinovac coronavirus vaccine trial raises safety, affordability concerns." South China Morning Post. 12 August 2020.
  8. "US-China tensions give Southeast Asian nations reason to find other partners elsewhere." The Conversation. 6 August 2020.
  9. "Indonesia must tackle corona-driven growth in anti-Chinese xenophobia." Nikkei Asian Review. 4 August 2020.
  10. "The Internationalization of China’s Currency in Indonesia." The Diplomat. 31 July 2020.
  11. "Why Indonesia’s aggressive stance on China in South China Sea may fall short." The Conversation. 30 July 2020.
  12. "The Internationalization of China’s Currency in Indonesia." The Diplomat. 31 July 2020.
  13. "Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan: The Prominent Enabler behind China-Indonesia Relations." Global Policy. 24 July 2020.
  14. "Three new approaches to sharpen the analysis of China-Indonesia relations." The Conversation. 24 July 2020.
  15. "The Greening of Indonesia-Gulf Relations." The Diplomat. 17 July 2020. (Co-authored)
  16. "Is Indonesia moving towards Japan and away from China? Just follow the railway tracks." South China Morning Post. 9 July 2020. (Co-authored)
  17. "China could be a partner for Indonesia’s renewable energy goal." The China Story. 7 July 2020. (Co-authored)
  18. "How China's treatment towards the Uyghurs exacerbates anti-Chinese sentiment in Indonesia." The ASEAN Post. 4 July 2020. (Co-authored)
  19. "The Complicated Politics of Chinese Workers in Indonesia." The Diplomat. 26 June 2020. (Co-authored)
  20. "Although PSBB is effective, Indonesia should not rush towards the 'new normal'". The Conversation. 18 Juni 2020. (Co-authored).
  21. "Why K-Pop is more popular in Indonesia than Chinese entertainment?" The ASEAN Post 13 June 2020. (Co-authored)
  22. "‘Sick until proven healthy’: how COVID-19 pandemic changes global security." The Conversation. 10 June 2020.
  23. "Eid al-Fitr: Indonesia Must Stop the Spread of the Coronavirus (Lessons from Wuhan)." Fair Observer. 20 May 2020.
  24. "Amid COVID-19, Indonesia should stop prioritising the economy: lessons from other countries." The Conversation. 20 May 2020.
  25. "Is Indonesia turning into Barbarism in the post-pandemic era." Global Policy. 19 May 2020. (Co-authored)
  26. "Indonesia-UAE Relations Strengthen Amid COVID-19." Fair Observer. 12 May 2020. (Co-authored)
  27. "Indonesia to allow 500 Chinese workers to enter the country amid COVID-19 pandemic: why it is a bad move." The Conversation. 6 May 2020.
  28. "Suing China for COVID-19 is impossible and may backfire – why countries must cooperate." The Conversation. 30 April 2020.
  29. "Asia is neglecting disabled people during coronavirus outbreak." Nikkei Asian Review. 29 April 2020. (Co-authored)
  30. "Coronavirus Makes Indonesians Get Online." Fair Observer. 29 April 2020. (Co-authored).
  31. "It may not be perfect, but there are three lessons Indonesia can Learn from China in dealing with the Coronavirus." Global Policy. 24 April 2020.
  32. "China and Indonesia's 'developing' status muddies post-pandemic recovery." TRT World. 24 April 2020. (Co-authored).
  33. "Two reasons why China needs to expand its help to Indonesia to deal with COVID-19." The Conversation. 17 April 2020.
  34. "Coronavirus can strengthen China’s ties with Indonesia." South China Morning Post. 12 April 2020.
  35. "Why Isn't Indonesia Seeking China's Funding for Its New Capital?" The Diplomat. 3 April 2020. (Co-authored)
  36. "Why China needs to help the world to recover before it can achieve economic recovery?" The Conversation. 3 April 2020. (Co-authored)
  37. "Indonesia's COVID-19 Response is Abysmal." International Policy Digest. 27 March 2020. (Co-authored)
  38. "A bright future for China’s cashless payment systems in Indonesia." The Asia Dialogue. 26 March 2020.
  39. "Coronavirus: Covid-19 could live on in Indonesia long after world recovers." South China Morning Post. 22 March 2020. (Co-authored)
  40. "Fear of drug abuse inside, Indonesia should give medical marijuana more thought." South China Morning Post. 8 March 2020. (Co-authored)
  41. "Can Indonesians trust Jokowi's government in the coronavirus crisis?" South China Morning Post. 4 March 2020. (Co-authored)
  42. "No coronavirus, but Indonesia's handling of Wuhan evacuees highlights erosion of trust." South China Morning Post. 18 February 2020. (Co-authored)
  43. "Coronavirus Takes Its Toll on China-Indonesia Relations." The Diplomat. 15 February 2020. (Co-authored)
  44. "To feed a hungry nation, Indonesia can follow China's blueprint." South China Morning Post. 11 February 2020. (Co-authored)
  45. "China could be key partner in lifting Indonesia’s pharmaceutical industry." South China Morning Post. 3 February 2020. (Co-authored)
  46. "China's Panda Diplomacy in Indonesia." International Policy Digest. 26 January 2020. (Co-authored)
  47. "As Indonesia stands up to China in the Natuna islands, can Japan come to the rescue?" South China Morning Post. 17 January 2020. (Co-authored)
  48. "Why Indonesia and Hong Kong must resolve issues faced by domestic workers." South China Morning Post. 8 December 2019. (Co-authored)
  49. "Indonesia Needs to be Careful for Environmental Destruction Caused by the BRI." International Policy Digest. 1 December 2019. (Co-authored)
  50. "Belt and Road Initiative: Challenges for South and Southeast Asia." Geopolitical Monitor. 18 November 2019. (Co-authored)
  51. "Uncovering the Unofficial Taiwan-Indonesia Relations." The News Lens. 14 November 2019. (Co-authored)
  52. "Indonesia must speak up against China on Uygurs. Look at what Gambia did for the Rohingya." South China Morning Post. 13 November 2019.
  53. "Proposed Ban on Islamic Dress in Indonesia." Islam21c. 12 November 2019. (Co-authored)
  54. "Indonesia Could Be a Major Contributor to Global Warming." International Policy Digest. 7 November 2019. (Co-authored)
  55. "An Islamic perspective of Qatar diplomatic crisis." Modern Diplomacy. 5 November 2019. (Co-authored)
  56. "Indonesia Should Stop Fearing Chinese Workers." The News Lens. 5 November 2019. (Co-authored)
  57. "Why Indonesia's the winner of the next China-Japan economic battle." South China Morning Post. 29 October 2019. (Co-authored)
  58. "With a UN Human Rights Council seat, Indonesia has a choice." Lowy Institute. 29 October 2019. (Co-authored)
  59. "Will Jokowi's New Cabinet Bring Change to Indonesia?" Fair Observer. 28 October 2019. (Co-authored)
  60. "Indonesia's new electric car may disrupt its relations with Japan." Modern Diplomacy. 21 October 2019. (Co-authored)
  61. "China-Indonesia relations are expected to grow during Jokowi's second term." Modern Diplomacy. 18 October 2019. (Co-authored)
  62. "Indonesia at 2020 Dubai Expo: Growing ties with the Middle East?" Asia Sentinel. 14 October 2019.
  63. "How Indonesia Can Prevent Forest Fires." Fair Observer. 30 September 2019. (Co-authored)
  64. "Indonesia's pre-social media laws are no match for animal traffickers." South China Morning Post. 17 September 2019. (Co-authored)
  65. "How the US-China currency war will impact Indonesia." South China Morning Post. 19 August 2019. (Co-authored)
  66. "Indonesia still wants Chinese investments, but Jokowi is also wooing Middle East money." South China Morning Post. 15 August 2019. (Co-authored)
  67. "Can Indonesia Avoid the Chinese Debt Trap?" International Policy Digest. 4 August 2019.
  68. "Indonesia might be trapped in Chinese debt with the BRI." International Affairs Forum. 26 June 2019. (Co-authored)
  69. "Rare Earth Minerals: China's Tool to Win Trade Wars." International Policy Digest. 25 June 2019.
  70. "Indonesia and the Xinjiang issue: The diplomatic options for resolving the Uyghur crisis." The Asia Dialogue. 21 June 2019. (Co-authored)
  71. "US-China trade war: Vietnam might get Apple, but Indonesia can get a bite of the action, too." South China Morning Post. 19 June 2019.
  72. "Oil is just the start of China’s belt and road interest in the Gulf." South China Morning Post. 7 June 2019.
  73. "Understanding Indonesians' Souring Sentiment Toward China." The Diplomat. 6 June 2019. (Co-authored)
  74. "What's driving Indonesian paranoia over Chinese workers?" South China Morning Post. 2 June 2019. (Co-authored)
  75. "Does China want to globalise the renminbi?" Asia Dialogue. 20 May 2019.
  76. "Belt and Road Brings Chinese Finance to the Gulf." The Diplomat. 17 May 2019.
  77. "Indonesia could be Beijing's best belt and road friend." South China Morning Post. 15 May 2019. (Co-authored)
  78. "There Is No Winner in a China-U.S. Trade War." International Policy Digest. 10 May 2019. (Co-authored)
  79. "How Can Indonesia Manage Its Concerns about BRI Investments." The Diplomat. 9 May 2019. (Co-authored)
  80. "Indonesia Needs to Negotiate with China." Fair Observer. 18 April 2019.
  81. "Chinese Culture Gradually Penetrates Indonesia." The Diplomat. 18 April 2019.
  82. "Institutionalising China's Relations with the Gulf." International Policy Digest. 15 April 2019.
  83. "Indonesia Is Making Progress Towards Disabled-Friendly Elections." The News Lens. 15 April 2019.
  84. "Indonesia's Presidential Election Can Define the Country's Geopolitical Future." The News Lens. 8 April 2019.
  85. "Disability Issue Absent From Vice-Presidential Debate.". Jakarta Globe. 30 March 2019.
  86. "How Can Indonesia Take Advantage of the Belt and Road Opportunities?" The Diplomat. 20 March 2019. (Co-authored)
  87. "Muslims versus Muslims in the 2019 Indonesian Presidential Election." Asian Currents. 18 March 2019. (Co-authored)
  88. "The Belt and Road Initiative in the Gulf: Building "Oil Roads" to Prosperity." Middle East Institute. 12 March 2019.
  89. "Converting Indonesia's Vehicle Fleet to Gas." Asia Sentinel. 12 March 2019. (Co-authored)
  90. "Xinjiang Remains an Enigma in Indonesia's Relationship with China." The News Lens. 6 March 2019.
  91. "Indonesia Has an Urgent Need for Political and Media Literacy Education." The News Lens. 26 February 2019.
  92. "Indonesia Is Spending Big on Infrastructure." Fair Observer. 25 Februari 2019.
  93. "China's Educational Expansion in Indonesia." The Diplomat. 15 February 2019.
  94. "The Rise of Islamic Finance on China's Belt and Road." The Diplomat. 15 February 2019.
  95. "Indonesia needs to revise its inclusive education act." Asian Currents. 6 February 2019.
  96. "Indonesia's Reliance on Rice Is Hurting Its Quest for Food Diversity." The News Lens. 24 January 2019. (Co-authored)
  97. "The Indonesian Work Force's Changing Paradigm." Asia Sentinel 24 January 2019. (Co-authored)
  98. "The Slow Development of Inclusive Education in Indonesia." Asia Sentinel. 14 January 2019. (Co-authored)
  99. "Indonesia Wants to Make Halal Tourism a Thing." International Policy Digest. 3 January 2019. (Co-authored)
  100. "Women in Politics in Indonesia." Asia Sentinel. 19 December 2018. (Co-authored)
  101. "Drug Use among Indonesian Children is Pervasive." International Policy Digest. 8 November 2018. (Co-authored)
  102. "Asian Para Games Can Bring Change to Indonesia." Fair Observer. 11 October 2018.
  103. "A New App Wants to Help Indonesia's Blind Navigate Their Cities." The News Lens. 9 October 2018. (Co-authored)
  104. "Indonesia Needs to Educate on Natural Disasters." Fair Observer. 4 October 2018.
  105. "Some Facts about Suicide in Indonesia." International Policy Digest. 1 October 2018. (Co-authored)
  106. "Jokowi & Subianto Have Few Answers for Faltering Indonesian Economy." The News Lens. 10 September 2018. (Co-authored)
  107. "This Is What Indonesia Needs." Fair Observer. 31 August 2018.
  108. "Indonesia's Election By-product: Trash." Asia Sentinel. 27 August 2018. (Co-authored)
  109. "Indonesia: Corrupt Politicians Pay Bribes to Live Lavishly Behind Bars." The News Lens. 24 August 2018. (Co-authored)
  110. "Youth Bulge a Factor in Indonesia 2019 Poll?" Asia Sentinel. 16 August 2018.
  111. "Indonesia's Presidential Elections Could Set Jakarta Back." The Diplomat. 14 August 2018. (Co-authored)
  112. "Java Gets a Transformative New Road." Asia Sentinel. 10 August 2018. (Co-authored)
  113. "Indonesia's Position in the UN Security Council and the Palestinian Issue." International Policy Digest. 5 August 2018.
  114. "Indonesia's Hazardous Water Transport." Asia Sentinel. 31 July 2018. (Co-authored).
  115. "Widespread Use of Force in Indonesia's Schools Must Be Stopped." The Globe Post. 27 July 2018.
  116. "Indonesia Seeks to Democratize its Schools." Asia Sentinel. 25 July 2018. (Co-authored)
  117. "Indonesia's Underdeveloped Regions Need Innovative Programs." The Globe Post. 5 July 2018. (Co-authored)
  118. "Indonesia's Cyber-Vigilantes on the March." Asia Sentinel. 22 June 2018. (Co-authored)
  119. "Indonesia Needs to Address Persistent Gender Inequality Problem." The Globe Post. 21 June 2018. (Co-authored)
  120. "Indonesia's Unwelcome Eid Tradition: Counterfeit Money." The Diplomat. 14 June 2018. (Co-authored)
  121. "Ramadhan and the Lesson on Food Waste." International Policy Digest. 14 June 2018. (Co-authored).
  122. "A Balinese Teen Learns to Dance." Asia Sentinel. 12 June 2018. (Co-authored)
  123. "Eradicating Poverty in Indonesia." Asia Sentinel. 29 May 2018. (Co-authored)
  124. "Indonesia Tries to Clean up Elections." Asia Sentinel. 18 May 2018. (Co-authored)
  125. "Indonesia's Ineffective Fight against Hizb ut-Tahrir." International Policy Digest. 17 May 2018. (Co-authored)
  126. "Understanding the Surabaya Attacks in Indonesia." Fair Observer. 15 May 2018. (Co-authored)
  127. "Understanding the Chinese approach to Gulf affairs." Gulf State Analytics. 14 May 2018.
  128. "The Problem with Freedom of Speech in Indonesia." Fair Observer. 9 May 2018.
  129. "Indonesia's Social Forestry Program." Asia Sentinel. 7 May 2018. (Co-authored)
  130. "Indonesia's Unequal Higher Education." Asia Sentinel. 3 May 2018. (Co-authored)
  131. "Indonesia's Citarum: The World's Most Polluted River." The Diplomat. 28 April 2018. (Co-authored)
  132. "Indonesia's Traffic Woes." The Diplomat. 24 April 2018. (Co-authored)
  133. "Child Marriage: Southeast Asia's Misery." Asia Sentinel. 17 April 2018. (Co-authored)
  134. "Indonesia's Inadequate Protections for Migrant Workers." Asia Sentinel. 11 April 2018.
  135. "The Plight of Traditional Fishermen in Indonesia." The Diplomat. 11 April 2018.
  136. "Time to Make a Change This World Autism Day." Fair Observer. 2 April 2018. (Co-authored)
  137. "Indonesia's Growing Water Safety Crisis." Asia Sentinel. 2 April 2018.
  138. "Indonesia Tries Rural Development." Asia Sentinel. 20 March 2018. (Co-authored)
  139. "Indonesia's Growing Narcotics Problem." Asia Sentinel. 15 March 2018.
  140. "Rural governments in Indonesia should be responsible for local poverty." Global Development Institute. 15 March 2018.
  141. "The Problem with Indonesia's Infrastructure Projects." The Diplomat. 15 March 2018.
  142. "Putting Jokowi's Maritime Policy Into Practice." Asia Sentinel. 13 March 2018. (Co-authored)
  143. "An Indonesian District Isolated from Development." Asia Sentinel. 28 February 2018. (Co-authored)
  144. "Violence in Indonesia's Schools." Asia Sentinel. 22 February 2018. (Co-authored)
  145. "As the Rest of the World Quits, Indonesia's Smokers Increase." Asia Sentinel. 6 February 2018. (Co-authored)
  146. "Sexual Harrasment Rears its Head in Indonesia." Asia Sentinel. 31 January 2018. (Co-authored)
  147. "Indonesia's Jokowi Seeks to Slow Forest Fire Devastation." Asia Sentinel. 11 January 2018. (Co-authored)
  148. "Indonesia Seeks to Raise Human Capital." Asia Sentinel. 8 January 2018. (Co-authored)
  149. "Indonesia's Problem with Child Marriage." Asia Sentinel. 15 December 2017. (Co-authored)
  150. "UK Tourists Should Not Visit Indonesia Unless The Issue of Disability is Addressed." The Huffington Post. 12 December 2017. (Co-authored)
  151. "Making the World Aware of Disabilities... and Then?" Fair Observer. 3 December 2017. (Co-authored)
  152. "Inside an Indonesian Special-Needs School." Fair Observer. 24 November 2017. (Co-authored)
  153. "Indonesia's Prize Health Insurance System Mired in Debt." Asia Sentinel. 20 November 2017. (Co-authored)
  154. "Indonesia's Disabled Ask Jokowi to Fulfill His Promises." Asia Sentinel. 10 November 2017. (Co-authored)
  155. "Indonesia-Tunisia Relations: From Trade to Democracy." The Diplomat. 7 November 2017.
  156. "Indonesia's Move towards Tourism." International Policy Digest. 2 November 2017. (Co-authored)
  157. "Indonesia's Media: Disturbing Lack of Legitimacy." Asia Sentinel. 1 November 2017. (Co-authored)
  158. "Indonesia's Fractured Programs for the Disabled." Asia Sentinel. 14 October 2017. (Co-authored)
  159. "Indonesia's Plastic Crisis." Asia Sentinel. 21 September 2017. (Co-authored)
  160. "The Trouble with Academic Malpractice in Indonesia." The Diplomat. 20 September 2017. (Co-authored)
  161. "The World Must Stop Myanmar's Savagery Against Rohingya." Asia Sentinel. 7 September 2017. (Co-authored)
  162. "Indonesia's Woeful Education System." Asia Sentinel. 1 September 2017. (Co-authored)
  163. "Educating Everyone in Indonesia." Fair Observer. 17 August 2017. (Co-authored)
  164. "Floating Hospitals: Meeting Healthcare Gaps in Indonesia." Asia Sentinel. 18 July 2017. (Co-authored)
  165. "Four Ways to Help Refugees and Others Affected by Conflict." International Policy Digest. 14 July 2017. (Co-authored)
  166. "Disability Issues and the Lack of Data in Indonesia." Asia Sentinel. 23 June 2017. (Co-authored).
  167. "Its Time to Appreciate Education." Fair Observer. 19 June 2017.
  168. "The Woeful State of Education for the Disabled in Indonesia." Asia Sentinel. 12 June 2017. (Co-authored)
  169. "Kuwaiti-Southeast Asian Relations Set to Flourish." Rai Institute. 31 May 2017. (Co-authored)
  170. "Jakarta Bombing Leaves More Questions Than Answers." Fair Observer. 25 May 2017. (Co-authored)
  171. "An Open Letter from the Disabled Community to Anies Baswedan." International Policy Digest. 25 May 2017.
  172. "Social Media and Consumerism in Indonesia." Fair Observer. 21 May 2017. (Co-authored)
  173. "UAE-ASEAN Relations: Beyond 'Emirates Diplomacy'?" ASEAN Studies Center. 18 May 2017.
  174. "Solving Indonesia's Infrastructure Gap." The Diplomat. 16 May 2017. (Co-authored)
  175. "Massive Break Illustrates Indonesia's Prison Dilemma." Asia Sentinel. 16 May 2017. (Co-authored)
  176. "The Dark Side of Indonesia's Social Media Boom." The Diplomat. 9 May 2017.
  177. "Indonesia's Child Trafficking Crisis." Asia Sentinel. 7 May 2017. (Co-authored)
  178. "How to end 'Tawuran' in Indonesia." The Monsoon Project. 2 May 2017. (Co-authored)
  179. "Identity Politics and Anies Baswedan." International Policy Digest. 1 May 2017.
  180. "Education in Indonesia is the First Step for Tomorrow." Fair Observer. 1 May 2017. (Co-authored)
  181. "Indonesia and Libya are Restoring Ties in Post-Gaddafi Era." The Diplomat. 29 April 2017.
  182. "Jakarta Welcomes a New Governor." Fair Observer. 22 April 2017.
  183. "Indonesia Remembers the Struggles of Feminist Icon." Fair Observer. 21 April 2017. (Co-authored)
  184. "Oman's Look to ASEAN." Gulf State Analytics. 16 April 2017.
  185. "Under the Radar: Indonesia's Relations with Algeria." The Diplomat. 13 April 2017.
  186. "The impact of Indonesia's online transportation ban on the disabled." New Mandala. 12 April 2017. (Co-authored)
  187. "Disabled Workers in Indonesia Must Be Respected." Fair Observer. 8 April 2017. (Co-authored)
  188. "China's Media Foothold Expands to the Gulf." The Diplomat. 4 April 2017.
  189. "Disability Discrimination in Indonesia." New Mandala. 1 April 2017. (Co-authored)
  190. "Bringing Back The Real Essence Of 'Teacher' To University Lecturers." The Huffington Post. 28 March 2017.
  191. "Men Work, Women Work: An Absence of Fairness." International Policy Digest. 5 March 2017. (Co-authored).
  192. "Are Indonesian Women Turning Radical?" Fair Observer. 8 February 2017. (Co-authored).
  193. "Jakarta Should Be Led by a Leader Who Is Loved by His People." International Policy Digest. 23 January 2017. (Co-authored)
  194. "Making Indonesia an Agrarian Nation Again." The Diplomat. 22 December 2016. (Co-authored)
  195. "We Should Keep Talking about Aleppo." International Policy Digest. 21 December 2016. (Co-authored)
  196. "An Open Letter to the Muslim World." Fair Observer. 17 December 2016. (Co-authored)
  197. "Rohingya Women and their Silent Suffering." International Policy Digest. 10 December 2016. (Co-authored)
  198. "An Open Letter From The Disabled To Donald Trump." The Huffington Post. 21 November 2016. (Co-authored)
  199. "Syrian Children Are Our Responsibility." The Huffington Post. 15 November 2016. (Co-authored)
  200. "More work needed for Indonesia's democracy." New Mandala 18 November 2016. (Co-authored)
  201. "Bullying, Disability, and School." The Huffington Post. 20 October 2016. (Co-authored)
  202. "Halal Tourism: An Important Idea In Tourism Industry." The Huffington Post. 3 October 2016. (Co-authored)
  203. "Stopping the Spread." New Mandala. 22 September 2016. (Co-authored)
  204. "The Hijab: More Than Just a Piece of Cloth." The Huffington Post. 4 August 2016. (Co-authored)
  205. "Ethnic Rohingya Muslims Are Entitled to Enjoy Their Fundamental Rights." The Huffington Post. 27 July 2016. (Co-authored)
  206. "Eid in Yemen Supposedly as Joyful as in Trafalgar Square." International Policy Digest. 14 July 2016. (Co-authored)
  207. "Ramadan in Morocco:An Outsider's Perspective." The Huffington Post. 1 July 2016. (Co-authored)
  208. "Brexit, Education and Indonesia." The Huffington Post. 30 June 2016. (Co-authored)
  209. "Morocco: Indonesia's Long-Time Best Friend." The Diplomat. 24 June 2016.
  210. "Syrians Are Human Beings, Just Like Us." The Huffington Post. 22 June 2016. (Co-authored)
  211. "The Qur'an: A Handbook for the Disabled Community." The Huffington Post. 10 June 2016.
  212. "Papua Is Not Indonesia's Palestine." The Huffington Post. 9 June 2016. (Co-authored)
  213. "Bahrain and ASEAN's Maturing Partnership." Gulf State Analytics. 9 June 2016.
  214. "China Eyes Qatar in its Quest to Build a New Silk Road." The National Interest. 2 June 2016. (Co-authored)
  215. "Mosques ought to be accessible to disabled." The National. 31 May 2016.
  216. "Indonesia-UK Relations: Student Exchange Needed." The Huffington Post. 31 May 2016. (Co-authored)
  217. "A parasite in democracy." New Mandala. 26 May 2016. (Co-authored)
  218. "Why the English Premier League Should Look Towards Indonesia." The Huffington Post. 24 May 2016. (Co-authored)
  219. "Indonesia: A Potential Partner for Gulf States." The Diplomat. 19 May 2016.
  220. "Indonesia's education system sorely lacking leadership." New Mandala. 18 May 2016. (Co-authored)
  221. "China-Qatar Relations: Media, Culture, Education, and People." The Huffington Post. 18 May 2016.
  222. "If Sadiq Khan Ran for Office in Indonesia, Would He Be Elected?" The Huffington Post. 11 May 2016. (Co-authored)
  223. "An Open Letter to Jeremy Corbyn from Indonesia." The Huffington Post. 9 May 2016. (Co-authored)
  224. "Forced Evictions in Jakarta: More Than Losing Homes." The Huffington Post. 25 April 2016. (Co-authored)
  225. "English Language: A Persistent Issue in Indonesia." The Huffington Post. 19 April 2016. (Co-authored)
  226. "Will Occupy Wall Street Take Place in Indonesia?" The Huffington Post. 12 April 2016. (Co-authored)
  227. "Indonesia and the Panama Papers." The Huffington Post. 12 April 2016. (Co-authored)
  228. "Finding Slovakia's Forgotten Mosque." The Huffington Post. 1 April 2016. (Co-authored)
  229. "Indonesia Takes a Leaf from the US Terror Playbook." Islam21c. 21 March 2016.
  230. "Papua, Peace, and Development." The Huffington Post. 21 March 2016. (Co-authored)
  231. "Indonesia and Norway: The Forgotten Relationship." The Huffington Post. 15 March 2016.
  232. "Is It Enough to Raise Awareness on the Disabled Community?" The Huffington Post. 9 March 2016.
  233. "OIC Summit in Jakarta: What to Expect." Fair Observer. 5 March 2016.
  234. "To TPP or not to TPP - that is Jokowi's question." New Mandala. 1 March 2016.
  235. "Why the UK's Secrecy Relating to Benny Wenda Could Be a Boomerang?" The Huffington Post. 22 February 2016. (Co-authored)
  236. "China's Soft Power in the Gulf." Gulf State Analytics. 12 February 2016.
  237. "Indonesia and the UK: A Growing Relationship." The Huffington Post. 2 February 2016. (Co-authored)
  238. "Indonesia's Israeli passport pain." New Mandala. 25 January 2016.
  239. "An Open Letter From Indonesia to Daesh." Fair Observer. 14 January 2016. (Co-authored)
  240. "Indonesia is In No Need of ASEAN Economic Community 2015." The Huffington Post. 11 January 2016. (Co-authored)
  241. "China's Syria Talks: Greater Involvement in the Middle East?" The Huffington Post. 24 December 2015.
  242. "GCC and China Get Cozy on the Silk Road." Fair Observer. 16 December 2015.
  243. "Syrians Need No Bombs." The Huffington Post. 15 December 2015.
  244. "Vietnam: Israel's closest ASEAN partner." New Mandala. 4 December 2015.
  245. "Israel and ASEAN Relations: Opportunities and Obstacles." The Huffington Post. 20 November 2015.
  246. "Land Mafia Fire Game Lights Up Indonesia." Fair Observer. 11 November 2015. (Co-authored)
  247. "Thailand's Growing Links with Qatar." The Diplomat. 25 October 2015.
  248. "Snuffing Out Fires in Indonesia." The Huffington Post. 23 October 2015.
  249. "Weapons and wealth in the Gulf: Indonesia heads to the UAE for arms (and more)." New Mandala. 2 October 2015.
  250. "Should we blame Saudi Arabia for the latest Mina incident?" The Jakarta Post. 29 September 2015.
  251. "We Need a Better Solution Than Merely Accepting Refugees." The Huffington Post. 22 September 2015.
  252. "Kuwait and Indonesia: A Window of Opportunity." The Diplomat. 11 September 2015.
  253. "Papua is Held Hostage by Global Capitalists." Fair Observer. 8 August 2015. (Co-authored)
  254. "The UAE and China's Striving Partnership." Gulf State Analytics. 17 July 2015.
  255. "China's Clampdown On Uighurs Will Breed Further Extremism." The Huffington Post. 29 June 2015.
  256. "China Goes to Islamabad: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor." The Huffington Post. 11 June 2015.
  257. "Freedom of Speech Must Go Hand in Hand with the Spirit of Tolerance." Islam21C. 11 June 2015.
  258. "China, Qatar, and RMB Internationalization." The Diplomat. 6 June 2015.
  259. "Rohingyas in Indonesia: Stories from the Ground." The Huffington Post. 2 June 2015.
  260. "Indonesia Should Play a Role in Yemen Conflict." The Diplomat. 22 May 2015. (Co-authored)
  261. "Rohingya Crisis: We Must Act Now!" Daily Sabah. 19 May 2015.
  262. "Rohingya Muslim Minority: The World's Most Unwanted People." The Huffington Post. 17 May 2015.
  263. "Garbage Collectors: The Forgotten Heroes." The Huffington Post. 4 May 2015.
  264. "Visiting Care Homes: The Forgotten Duty." The Huffington Post. 1 April 2015.
  265. "Indonesia's two faces on Israel-Palestine." Middle East Eye. 23 March 2015. (Co-authored)
  266. "How to End the Crisis in Central African Republic." The Huffington Post. 23 March 2015.
  267. "As We Fight the Islamic State, Don't Forget Assad." Muftah. 23 March 2015.
  268. "China and the UAE: New Cultural Horizons." Middle East Institute. 19 March 2015.
  269. "Indonesians Returning from Syria Should Not Be Prosecuted." Fair Observer. 18 March 2015. (Co-authored)
  270. "Why I Admire Muhammad: A Disability Perspective." The Huffington Post. 12 March 2015.
  271. "Is it time to care about Muslims in China?" Islam21C. 12 March 2015.
  272. "The Quiet Growth in Indonesia-Israel Relations." The Diplomat. 11 March 2015.
  273. "Who will win the city budget controversy?" The Jakarta Post. 4 March 2015. (Co-authored)
  274. "How important is spreading awareness in times of crisis?" Daily Sabah. 27 February 2015.
  275. "What drives China's interest in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?" China Policy Institute. 25 February 2015.
  276. "An Indonesian Perspective: Australia Must Respect Our Penalty For Drug Trafficking." New Matilda. 18 February 2015. (Co-authored)
  277. "Bahrain's synagogue: The only one on the Arabian Peninsula." Your Middle East. 23 January 2015.
  278. "Indonesia-Oman Relations: Gradually Moving Forward." The Diplomat. 15 January 2015.
  279. "Je Suis Un An Enfant Syrien Mort De Froid (I Am a Syrian Child Dying From Cold)." The Huffington Post. 15 January 2015.
  280. "Do Not Forget Muslims in Central African Republic." The Huffington Post. 23 December 2014.
  281. "Toward a Disabled-Friendly World." The Huffington Post. 1 December 2014.
  282. "Jerusalem Synagogue Attack: Who is to Blame?" Palestine Chronicle. 27 November 2014.
  283. "The Killing of Abdul Rahman Kassig: Who does IS represent?" The Huffington Post. 19 November 2014.
  284. "Despite Myanmar's 'solution', the Rohingya remain in a dire situation." The National. 22 October 2014.
  285. "China's Expanding Ties with Lebanon." The Diplomat. 16 September 2014.
  286. "Indonesia and Jordan: Quiet Ties." The Diplomat. 5 September 2014.
  287. "Syrian Children are Crying Out for Help." Daily Sabah. 21 July 2014.
  288. "Sino-Jordanian Ties: Growing in the Midst of Turmoil." The Diplomat. 9 July 2014.
  289. "China and Tunisia: A Quiet Partnership." The Diplomat. 28 June 2014.
  290. "Mistreated Muslims are crying out for help in Sri Lanka." The National. 18 June 2014.
  291. "China makes political inroads in the Arab world." Middle East Eye. 6 June 2014.
  292. "Why Is China Interested in a Volatile Yemen?" The Diplomat. 4 June 2014.
  293. "China and Bahrain: Undocumented Growing Relationship." Fair Observer. 22 May 2014.
  294. "Doha Looks to Southeast Asia." The Diplomat. 21 May 2014.
  295. "Exploring the China-Oman Relationship." The Diplomat. 10 May 2014.
  296. "Myanmar's Muslims continue to suffer as the world stays silent." The National. 27 April 2014.
  297. "The Syrian conflict is worsening." The Jakarta Post. 22 April 2014.
  298. "As the Syrian crisis deepens we cannot lose interest." Daily Sabah. 22 April 2014.
  299. "China and Saudi Arabia: Strengthening Ties through Education." Daily Sabah. 13 April 2014.
  300. "Should we still trust aviation safety?" The Jakarta Post. 27 March 2014.
  301. "American feebleness in the face of the Israelis." Middle East Monitor. 22 March 2014.
  302. "Unfair peace treaty will hurt Palestinians the most." Middle East Monitor. 19 March 2014.
  303. "Water, the forgotten cause of conflict in the Middle East." Middle East Monitor. 14 March 2014.
  304. "Tony Blair should not lecture anyone about Palestine." Middle East Monitor. 10 March 2014.
  305. "Why did the Gulf states withdraw ambassadors from Qatar?" Middle East Monitor. 6 March 2014.
  306. "Israel's occupation even suppresses Palestinian football." Middle East Monitor. 5 March 2014.
  307. "Assad intransigence shows his true face." Middle East Monitor. 3 March 2014.
  308. "The reality of Palestinian children in Israeli jails." Middle East Monitor. 3 March 2014.
  309. "The reality about cease-fire violations between the Palestinians and the Israelis." Middle East Monitor. 3 March 2014.
  310. "Abbas' U-turn on Syrian Policy." Middle East Monitor. 1 March 2014.
  311. "America's 'behind the scenes' strategy in Syria." Middle East Monitor. 27 February 2014.
  312. "Palestinian youth have Arab Spring in their step." Middle East Monitor. 24 February 2014.
  313. "Why China Could Be Effective in the Middle East." The Diplomat. 20 February 2014.
  314. "Qatar's Sports Day: The only of its kinds in the Middle East." Your Middle East. 11 February 2014.
  315. "Syrian children: The forgotten victims." Your Middle East. 10 February 2014.
  316. "China new partner for peace in Arab-Israeli conflict." Your Middle East. 28 January 2014.