In 2023, an Indonesian academic and journalist, who specializes in Middle Eastern affairs, faced unexpected detentions at Singapore’s Changi Airport during transit, where he was interrogated about his work on Palestine. Despite having professional ties to Singapore’s Middle East Institute, his intellectual contributions were overshadowed by state suspicion, leading to a chilling effect on his freedom of expression. After multiple incidents, he now avoids flights through Singapore, highlighting concerns over academic independence and the impact of geopolitical alliances on basic rights.
