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
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
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.
Heavy floods leave over 30,000 displaced in northern Sumatra, Indonesia
After a week of heavy rain on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, more than 32,000 people have been displaced and three children have died due to flash floods.
Global Voices newsroom songs of 2021
As we reflect on 2021, we wanted to highlight the special role that music plays for our newsroom by featuring our editors' songs of the year.
The ‘immoral’ 42 songs banned from Indonesia's daytime radio
Songs by Bruno Mars, Jay-Z, Cardi B, and more, were banned from Indonesian radio between 3 am and 10 pm. The songs were considered immoral because they mentioned sexuality, alcohol, or vices.
How ‘cyber troops’ influence Indonesia's politics, policies, and media landscape
"For citizens, in general, I think people need to learn more — to be more skeptical with what is viral on social media." - Indonesian digital media researcher Wijayanto.
Indonesian official tries to silence Greenpeace activists, changes course amid criticism
The report has since been withdrawn to avoid "politicization" and insinuations that the government does not welcome criticism.
An all-women coral conservation team is helping to revive Indonesia's world-famous Gili reefs
"I believe that empowering women and promoting gender equality is crucial to accelerating sustainable development."
Days after COP26 agreement, Indonesian officials renege on anti-deforestation pledge
Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar has dismissed the UN plan to end industrial deforestation by 2030, saying: "Forcing Indonesia to zero deforestation in 2030 is clearly inappropriate and unfair."
Community care during the pandemic in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines
From community pantries in the Philippines to the White Flag movement in Malaysia, this pandemic has spurred communities to mobilize and provide aid during this public health emergency.
