Indonesia: Politics, Witchcraft and Myth

Things grow heated following The Washington Post’s comment on the President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s published memoir, claiming Yudhoyono to be the first Indonesian president who publicly acknowledged his belief in witchcraft.

All in all, Yudhoyono’s belief in witchcraft in his autobiography cannot be defined as justifying his fear of black magic or constant use of sorcery. Going much deeper, Yudhoyono’s admission reminds public of how politic in Indonesia is closely related to irrationality, such as witchcraft, magical power and myth. The president is not alone. A lot of politicians have encountered similar experiences or even counted on witchcraft or magical power for their political interests.

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