The Diplomat | Author
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Aisyah Llewellyn
Aisyah Llewellyn is a British writer based in Medan, Indonesia, and a columnist for The Diplomat.
Aisyah Llewellyn is a British writer who has a BA in Indonesian from the School of Oriental and African Studies. She is currently completing her second BA in Indonesian law at university in North Sumatra. She is a former diplomat and writes primarily about law and human rights. She has a true crime newsletter and podcast named Hukum.
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February 14, 2025
As the World Celebrates Valentine’s Day, Has Indonesia Lost Its Loving Feeling?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
Despite being embraced by the young, the country's religious authorities have long viewed it as a potentially corrupting influence.
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January 31, 2025
After 18 Years at Guantanamo, Is It Too Late for Indonesian Detainee Hambali?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
President Donald Trump has ordered the expansion of the prison camp as a detention facility for illegal immigrants.
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December 18, 2024
The Release of the ‘Bali Five’ Was a Masterclass in Foreign Diplomacy and Cooperation
By Aisyah Llewellyn
In negotiating the return of the Australian drug convicts, Jakarta and Canberra have displayed tact and sensitivity.
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December 03, 2024
Methanol Poisoning Is Senseless and Easily Preventable. Why Does it Keep Happening?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
The recent deaths of six foreign tourists in Laos has cast a light on a long-standing problem in Southeast Asia.
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November 13, 2024
Indonesian Workers Say They Faced Modern Slavery in the UK. Who Is Responsible?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
A post-Brexit seasonal labor migration scheme has been marred by claims of exploitative practices.
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October 31, 2024
Halloween: A Time To Ask What Truly Scares Us
By Aisyah Llewellyn
While not being native to Southeast Asia, analogues to the the American holiday exist in many parts of the region.
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September 04, 2024
Indonesians Rejoice as Pope Francis Visits
By Aisyah Llewellyn
The Indonesian public have been taken with the pontiff since his arrival in the country, the first visit to Indonesia by a Pope in 35 years.
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August 14, 2024
Would You Pay Someone To Write Your University Thesis?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
In Indonesia, the use of "joki," or writers-for-hire, is a long-standing – and mostly normalized – practice among university students.
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August 01, 2024
Hit Netflix Series Offers an Authentic Depiction of Life in Indonesia
By Aisyah Llewellyn
Despite its sci-fi spin, the Indonesian series “Nightmares and Daydreams” offers acute social commentary on a number of issues facing the country.
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July 11, 2024
Jemaah Islamiyah Says It Has Disbanded. Should We Believe It?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
Late last month, 16 senior JI figures announced the group's dissolution, and said they were “ready to actively contribute to Indonesia's progress and dignity.”
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June 12, 2024
Art Imitates Life in Indonesian Horror Film – But is Anyone Entertained?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
The hit film “Vina: Sebelum 7 Hari” drew its inspiration from the rape and murder of a 16-year-old girl in 2016, prompting accusations of bad taste.
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May 28, 2024
Jemaah Islamiyah Is Not Back After Malaysia Attack
By Aisyah Llewellyn
The recent attack on a police station in Johor State bears all the hallmarks of a lone-wolf attack.
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