Dr. Almut Besold
Short vita
Dr. Almut Besold has been Project Head for the Philippines since August 2023. She studied Arabic, Political Science, and Religious Studies with a focus on the Arab World and Islam at the University of Leipzig, Germany. From 2000 to 2003, she completed her doctorate on international sanctions against Libya. From 2004 to 2013, she was a lecturer at the Oriental Institute of the University of Leipzig. In 2007/ 08, Almut Besold took a leave of absence to work for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). From 2014 to 2018, she headed the FNF country office in Pakistan, and from 2018 to 2023, she headed the country offices in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Contributions
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Arrest of Rodrigo Duterte: A Step Towards Accountability
On March 11, 2025, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for crimes against humanity. This development marks a significant milestone in the ICC's over eight-year investigation into the thousands of deaths linked to Duterte's "war on drugs”.
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Indonesian President Visited Hanover Fair: Focus on Economy and Energy Transition
Indonesian President Joko Widodo "Jokowi" visited Germany in mid-April. The focus was on his participation at Hanover Fair. His country is this year's guest nation at the fair. Indonesia - a huge archipelago nation little known in Germany, is a G20 member, the world's third largest democracy as well as the largest Muslim-majority country. The president's presence underscored Indonesia's growing importance in the global economy. As Germany supports Indonesia's energy transition within the framework of a partnership ("JETP"), one focus during the visit was the topic of sustainability in the energy sector.
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Anwar Ibrahim is finally head of government
For more than 30 years, Anwar Ibrahim fought for his political goals - and was even thrown into prison for it. He stands for multi-ethnic and progressive politics - standing up to rising Islamism and Malay ethnonationalism in the Southeast Asian country. His Justice Party is a long-standing partner of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. Now, for the first time, the progressive politician will lead Malaysia's government. However, Anwar faces the challenge of unifying the divided country and stabilizing the stumbling economy.
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Human Rights in Indonesia: Public Service and Prison Management
As a result of Indonesia's prolonged authoritarian regime, some government officials and civil servants still lack knowledge surrounding human rights. Therefore, FNF Jakarta and Indonesia´s Ministry of Law and Human Rights have worked together to implement Human Rights in public policy. This includes the management of prisons, where waiting rooms for visitors are equipped with a nursing room and facilities for children.
