Lowy Institute launches new book 'The Roots of Terrorism in Indonesia'
Today, the Lowy Institute for International Policy launches a new book, The Roots of Terrorism in Indonesia: from Darul Islam to Jema'ah Islamiyah by a leading expert in Islamic extremism in Indonesia, Solahudin.
Published jointly by the Lowy Institute and NewSouth Publishing, the book is an edited English language edition of Solahudin's best selling NII Sampai JI: Salafy Jihadisme di Indonesia, translated by the Lowy Institute's Indonesia specialist, Dr Dave McRae.
Based on a remarkable array of original sources, Solahudin's book shows how the ideas and form of activism that lead to the Bali Bombings in 2002 have a long and complex history, stretching back to Indonesia’s Darul Islam revolt in the 1950s.
'Al Qaeda-style ideology has been present in Indonesia for decades, long before al Qaeda itself emerged in Afghanistan in the 1980s. To understand terrorism in Indonesia it is important to understand this local history, in addition to external jihadi influences,' says Solahudin.
'The Lowy Institute is delighted to introduce a leading Indonesian jihadism expert, Solahudin, to an English-speaking audience and bring Solahudin to Australia,' says Dr Dave McRae.
'Partnering with UNSW Press to publish The Roots of Terrorism in Indonesia is a continuation of the Institute's focus on Indonesia more broadly, and accords with the Lowy Institute’s goal of shedding light on this important subject.'
The translation and publication of the book was undertaken with the financial support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The book has already received positive reviews in The Monthly and The Age.
The launch will take place at the Australian National University, Canberra on Wednesday 14 August, with an in conversation book discussion at Gleebooks, Sydney on Friday 16 August. Media are warmly invited to attend. Registration details below.
To request a media interview with Solahudin, please email Lowy Institute Strategic Communications Manager: Stephanie Dunstan sdunstan@lowyinstitute.org
Roots of Terrorism in Indonesia book launch
Date: Wednesday, 14 August 2013
Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm - Light refreshments will be served
Place: Hedley Bull Centre, Australian National University, Canberra
Register: By 3.00pm, Wednesday 14 August to sdunstan@lowyinstitute.org or 0435802629.
Speakers at the launch will include Professor the Hon. Gareth Evans AC QC, Chancellor of the Australian National University, Allaster Cox, First Assistant Secretary, South-East Asia Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the book's author Solahudin.
Solahudin in conversation with Dr Dave McRae
Date: Friday, 16 August 2013, ‘Solahudin in conversation with Dr Dave McRae’
Time: 6:00pm for 6:30pm – 7:30pm, followed by a book signing – Wine, soft drinks & water will be served
Place: Gleebooks Main Store, 49 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe
Cost: General: $10.00, Student: $7.00, GleeClub: free
Register: This is an external event organised by Gleebooks. To purchase tickets, contact Gleebooks (02) 9660 2333 or events@gleebooks.com.au.