Jean Couteau

Jean Couteau is one of Indonesia’s most respected observers of politics and culture. A long-time columnist and essayist, he has published extensively on Indonesian art, cultural identity, Balinese culture and socio-political change, with works appearing in leading journals such as Archipel, Kompas, Tempo and Now Bali. Known for his sharp yet culturally grounded analyses, he is neither tied to the academic Indonesianist establishment nor trapped in Western frameworks. His writing blends deep historical knowledge with a narrative style that appeals to both general readers and specialists.