Man of Contradictions

A richly textured and nuanced treatment of the Indonesian leader Jokowi. Ben has drawn upon his considerable knowledge of Indonesia and the region to produce an indispensable guide to a critical yet often misunderstood leader and nation.

Kurt Campbell, former US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs

A sharp critique that deserves to be heard. From the point of view of a keen observer like Ben Bland, we can better understand Jokowi and, ultimately, better understand Indonesia's complexities.

Wahyu Dhyatmika, editor-in-chief, Tempo magazine

The book is quite brilliant in capturing the limits of a man’s ability to challenge and reform from within an entrenched political system.

Una Galani, Reuters

A landmark new book. It should be required reading for anyone seeking to understand the leader of Australia’s giant northern neighbour.

James Massola, Sydney Morning Herald

Ben Bland’s penetrating biography of Indonesia’s Jokowi not only clarifies his subject’s contradictions, it does so in sparkling prose.

Milton Osborne, historian and author of Southeast Asia: An Introductory History