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New Naratif
@newnaratif.bsky.social
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New Naratif is a movement to democratise democracy in Southeast Asia.

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🎟️ Free event! Register at newnaratif.com/event/mfn-idn.

#MediaFreedomNetwork
#Indonesia #RUUTNI #RUUPolri #RUUPers
What is happening to Indonesia’s democracy? How might these legal reforms affect press freedom and the role of civil society? Can we fight back to ensure fundamental rights and freedoms in Indonesia? Join us for a legal briefing with Amnesty International Indonesia! Power, Protest, and the Press: Indonesia’s Legal Reckoning Thursday, 15 May 2025 6:30–8:00pm WIB (Zoom) Sign up at newnaratif.com/event/mfn-idn
May 9, 2025 at 11:02 AM
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🗓️ Thursday, 15 May 2025 | ⏰ 6:30 – 8:00pm WIB

Join us and @AmnestyID to unpack Indonesia’s recent legal reforms, rising authoritarianism, and what they mean for press freedom, protest, and civil liberties.
Indonesia is at a critical juncture. The recent ratification of the revised Indonesian National Armed Forces Law (RUU TNI) has ignited widespread protests across the nation. Critics argue that the law revives the military's "dual function", allowing active soldiers to occupy civilian roles, thereby undermining democratic civilian oversight.​ These drafts are perceived as mechanisms to expand police authority and suppress press freedom, particularly targeting investigative journalism. The public's response has been fervent. Since February 2025, demonstrations have erupted nationwide, with protesters expressing deep concern over the erosion of democratic principles. Journalists have not been spared; reports indicate instances of intimidation and violence against media personnel covering these events. These legislative changes have prompted critical questions about the future of democratic principles, media freedom, and civil liberties in Indonesia.​
May 9, 2025 at 11:02 AM
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For more Principles of Democracy, visit www.newnaratif.com.
Generally, we accept that governments are responsible for improving public security, protecting vulnerable groups, stopping hate speech, and discouraging the spread of misinformation. However, a balance between such measures and respecting the right of the people to express their dissent needs to be achieved to ensure a true, functioning democracy. Explainer #9: Freedom of Expression Written by PJ Thum Collages by Karin Josephine Read more from our Principles of Democracy explainer series on our website, newnaratif.com
May 8, 2025 at 11:03 AM
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Read the full explainer here: https://newnaratif.com/principles-of-democracy-freedom-of-expression/
Some grounds upon which freedom of expression have been circumscribed include the following: - Preventing hate speech, extremist ideologies, and protecting vulnerable groups - Security and safety - Preventing misinformation and harmful rumours - Defamation - Privacy However, other reasons used for the curtailment of this right which might be considered more controversial, contested, or contextual, include the following: - Public order and morality - Protecting cultural and religious sensitivities - Preventing sedition and protecting the state
May 8, 2025 at 11:03 AM
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Read the explainer on the Freedom of Expression, part of our Principles of Democracy explainer series.

Written by PJ Thum, with collages by Karin Josephine.
In Southeast Asia, even when governments clamp down on freedom of expression, they are careful to uphold this right. The principle itself is not contested. Instead of denying the right to freedom of expression, they argue that the measures they take are “necessary exceptions”. These clampdowns are, of course, largely a feature of authoritarianism, and to no one’s surprise, heavily targeted against genuine criticism of the government. But we must also acknowledge that, in practice, the limits to freedom of expression are heavily contested, and one of the most difficult to find a balance.
May 8, 2025 at 11:03 AM
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Freedom of expression is a key freedom which enables the pursuit of human rights, while interrogating some common misconceptions, understanding the limits to freedom of expression, and how the medium in which we express ourselves matters.
All persons and groups should have equitable opportunities to express their respective stances, offer opinions, and advocate for change, without undue restriction. This includes the right to criticise the injustices, illicit activities, and incompetence of the government without fear of reprisal. Rightfully, the freedom of expression has its consequences, and must be exercised in the context of other principles of democracy to construct and maintain a tolerant and progressive society. These nuances need to be well-understood, especially as society rapidly evolves, fast-changing technologies emerge, and debates grow more complicated to manage or determine.
May 8, 2025 at 11:03 AM
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P.S. The Show with PJ Thum Season 1 and new episodes from Season 2 are now available on the New Naratif Discusses YouTube channel.
The Show with PJ Thum
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April 28, 2025 at 11:02 AM
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New Naratif, in collaboration with @bebeseaorg, presents “Struggle, Resistance, Solidarity: A Gaza-Filipino Cookbook” by Geela Garcia, with the full version published by Everything’s Fine Philippines. 

Read here: https://newnaratif.com/struggle-resilience-solidarity/
#NNxBEBESEA
New Naratif and BEBESEA present… Struggle, Resilience, Solidarity: A Gaza-Filipino Cookbook Produced by Geela Garcia Featuring recipes by Josephine Abuhannieh Read the story on newnaratif.com and get a copy of the zine via Everything’s Fine Philippines
April 24, 2025 at 11:20 AM
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...The challenge is to document it honestly and to find humanity in those nuances and pauses.”

Meet Geela Garcia, a photographer, journalist, and lens-based artist that highlights social relations between people and production, especially on issues of food sovereignty.
How was the fellowship process? Has it shaped your storytelling? As a freelancer, the fellowship process was helpful in having someone share ideas with who can see things from my perspective, yet also offer spaces for areas I haven't seen. The workshop that we had on using our emotions as guides in storytelling is also something I'll remember and bring to my next projects. What are some nuances of statelessness and migration that you would like to highlight more in your piece? Escaping their situation in Gaza doesn't exactly mean it was the end of their challenge – their everyday life in PH is also a day-to-day fight for survival. There were a lot of times I felt frustrated working on this project due to several shoot cancellations, but this is the reality of doing a story on refugees, of people who just lost their homes, of people dealing with massive changes.
April 24, 2025 at 11:20 AM
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New episodes are out now on New Naratif Discusses YouTube channel. 

Watch here:
The Show with PJ Thum
Share your videos with friends, family and the world
www.youtube.com
April 24, 2025 at 10:03 AM
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Browse this year’s selection of stories from New Naratif and BEBESEA on our website.

Read this piece here: here: https://newnaratif.com/struggle-resilience-solidarity/
#NNxBEBESEA
This is a story of solidarity, forged through the breaking of bread between two nations collectively striving for liberation. Filipinos recognise their struggle in Palestine’s liberation, as the U.S.-backed Israel intertwines with their own fight for sovereignty against U.S. imperialism. Through this shared struggle, a collective resistance is formed. New Naratif and BEBESEA present… Struggle, Resilience, Solidarity: A Gaza-Filipino Cookbook Produced by Geela Garcia Featuring recipes by Josephine Abuhannieh Read the story on newnaratif.com and get a copy of the zine via Everything’s Fine Philippines
April 23, 2025 at 11:02 AM
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New Naratif, in collaboration with BEBESEA, presents “Struggle, Resilience, Solidarity: A Gaza-Filipino Cookbook”, a zine by Geela Garcia.

Read the story on New Naratif’s website, with the full version published by Everything’s Fine Philippines.
Environmental destruction and starvation have become tools of genocide. Lying in the heart of the Fertile Crescent, Palestinian land has been subjected to ecological genocide throughout Israeli’s occupation; predating the First Nakba of 1948. This perpetuates the constant restrictions on the entry of food, water, fuel, and medicine. While civilisations were born through land, water and crops, compassion is the key to its survival. In the Philippines, Palestinian refugees have turned to cooking as their means of survival, with Filipinos coming to their aid.
April 23, 2025 at 11:02 AM
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You can also get a special advance order price of S$30 for the book, inclusive of a launch event ticket from now until 25 April 2025!

Learn more and pre-order now at pagesetters.sg/product/citizensagenda.
PJ Thum He is a historian at the University of Kyoto and founder of New Naratif, a movement to democratise democracy in Southeast Asia. Ku Swee Yong He is a property market analyst and a licensed real estate broker with International Property Advisor Pte Ltd. Get a special advance order price of S$30 for the book, inclusive of a launch event ticket from now until 25 April 2025! Visit pagesetters.sg/product/citizensagenda or scan the QR code below to enjoy this special promo! [QR code] Alternatively, you can also get launch event-only tickets via bit.ly/VoOSt.
April 17, 2025 at 11:02 AM
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Happening on 25 April 2025 (Fri), 7pm - 10pm SGT, at the Redrum, @TheProjectorSG at Golden Mile Tower, we are formally inviting you to participate in conversations with experts and advocates on key issues before the General Election.

Register now via bit.ly/VoOSt.
Programme Panel 1: Cost of Living Understanding the implications of the rising cost of living with Suraendher Kumarr, Yeoh Lam Keong Panel 2: Housing A conversation on the housing crisis in the country with PJ Thum, Ku Swee Yong Panel 3: Healthcare Open discussions on well-being and the healthcare system with Suraendher Kumarr, Yeoh Lam Keong, PJ Thum, Ku Swee Yong Suraendher Kumarr He is a community worker at workers' rights group, Workers Make Possible (WMP). A subject expert on hot button election issues such as the rising cost of living, he contributed in drafting the People's Manifesto, which consolidates demands for policy changes from the ground. Yeoh Lam Keong He is the ex-chief economist for GIC, ex-adjunct professor for the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, and an economic and financial consultant.
April 17, 2025 at 11:02 AM
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Note: in view of recent developments, we aim to have this book mailed to your letterbox by 30 April, in time for you to read before you head to the General Election!
April 10, 2025 at 11:02 AM