As associate editor and sub-editor for Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa at Global Voices, I am fascinated by how writing connects people. Before joining Global Voices I worked as a university writing and journalism teacher and edited for activists, academics, and community organizers in Indonesia where I am currently based. You can find me writing about the environment and social justice issues. I am also Global Voices’ Green Voices Coordinator and run our Music Club.
Latest posts by Sydney Allen
Indonesia lifts sea sand export ban, angering activists and coastal communities
After a 20-year ban, Indonesia is allowing companies to extract sea sand from its coastal waters. Activists say this will have devastating environmental consequences and could negatively impact coastal communities.
Heatwave highlights climate vulnerabilities in Southeast Asia
South and Southeast Asia roasted in a record-setting heatwave that killed hundreds, forced some governments to close schools, and led to an uptick in health issues.
Israel's war on Gaza takes center stage at Eurovision 2024
While the annual Eurovision Song Contest is supposed to be a fun, apolitical event, organizer's decision to allow Israel to participate is drawing controversy and boycotts.
Music activism as a form of social resistance
Halldor Kristínarson runs a music journalism blog, Shouts - Music from the rooftops, that highlights underrepresented musicians and music activists from around the world.
Indonesian presidential winner charms youth vote with dances, TikTok, and cats
The winner of Indonesia's presidential election courted the archipelago's youth vote with catchy music, TikTok dances, and photos of cats. However, some aren't forgetting his previous human rights abuses.
Cambodian government, UNESCO implicated in mass displacement at Angkor Wat
“Almost all … described being evicted or pressured to leave Angkor following intimidation, harassment, threats, and acts of violence from Cambodian authorities.”
Malaysia and Indonesia throw support behind Palestinian cause
Thousands of people in Indonesia and Malaysia rallied over the weekend to show their support for Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza.
Unpacking the controversy around Russian tourists in Indonesia
Tensions between Indonesian citizens and Russian visitors have boiled over after numerous cases of bad behavior from Russian nationals have strained relations and forced officials to take action.
Queering the internet: anonymous online spaces for LGBTQ+ people
The threat of persecution, violence, and judgement is why many queer people turn to anonymous online spaces to build community and relationships, seek support, and share their experiences.
Indonesia's new penal code revisions don't just threaten sexual freedoms
Indonesia's recent penal code revisions threaten journalists, free speech, bodily autonomy and more — severely undermining democracy in the region.
Egypt’s systemic greenwashing is sabotaging COP27 before it begins
While thousands of environmentalists, politicians, and scientists from all over the world converge on Egypt to attend COP27, the government is barring local civil society workers and activists from attending.
Coca-Cola, the world’s largest plastic polluter, is sponsoring COP27. Here’s why that’s a problem
In a massive feat of irony, Coca-cola, the world’s largest plastic polluter, is sponsoring COP27, the world’s largest annual environmental conference, which will take place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt this month.
Indonesia rallies to support women in Iran amid concerns over rising domestic conservatism
As protestors gathered to support Iran, some activists warn that rising conservatism in parts of Indonesia means that women in Indonesia could lose their own right to choose
Twitter Space: The Ukrainian language and its global significance
Read excerpts from our Twitter space on the Ukrainian language, the best tools for learning Ukrainian, parallels between Ukrainian refugees and other displaced peoples, and more. Find the full audio here.
Peer under the sea of the Indonesian archipelago through this photo essay
Many of the creatures featured in this piece, as well as our coastal economies, are under threat as the climate crisis warms ocean waters and threatens coastal ecosystems
Does Indonesia have a healthy free press? Not according to West Papua
This World Press Freedom Day, we review the human rights violations, free speech barriers, and media abuses in Papua, which has been annexed by Indonesia for almost 60 years.
Indonesia is caught between Russia and the West ahead of the November G20 conference
This year’s G20 is being chaired by Indonesian President Joko Widodo who is facing pressure to ban Russian representatives because of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Jokowi shuts down chatter about a potential third term as President of Indonesia
Some politicians have cited the pandemic and the war in Ukraine as reasons Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) should run for a third term, which goes against the nation's constitution.
How is Southeast Asia reacting to the invasion of Ukraine?
While the ASEAN block referenced the “conflict in the West” and called for de-escalation, many Southeast Asian leaders are choosing to stay silent and sidestep any direct references to Russia.
Police violently break up Afghan refugee protest in Indonesia
Some refugees in Indonesia have been in limbo for more than 10 years. Protesters gathered outside the UNHCR building in Medan to call for resettlement and demand better living conditions.
An overview of Indonesia’s coal export ban and Asia’s energy crisis
All coal mining companies in Indonesia are required to reserve 25 percent of their coal supply for domestic sale, which they have been shirking since coal prices skyrocketed internationally in 2021.
