Indonesia’s Volatile Coalition Politics: PKB’s Move Broke the 2024 Presidential Race Logjam
Made Supriatma
The focus is now on choices for Indonesia’s next vice president after Anies Baswedan secured a surprise choice for his running mate in 2024.
Articles
China’s Claim on the South China Sea: How Many Dashes Make a Line?
Bill Hayton
China’s new map depicting its claims to the South China Sea has provoked some fierce reactions from its neighbours. The fact is that the “new” map is anything but.
Barisan Nasional and FELDA: A Depleted “Fixed Deposit”
Kevin Zhang
FELDA seats used to be a veritable vote bank for Barisan Nasional. This is no longer the case.
Can the European Green Deal be a Good Deal for ASEAN?
Chris Humphrey
Chris Humphrey examines the challenges and benefits of the European Green Deal for ASEAN’s sustainable future.
Reflections on China’s Latest Global Civilisation Agenda
Chang-Yau Hoon|Ying-kit Chan
China’s Global Civilisation Initiative claims to promote inclusivity and cultural diversity. A litmus test of its credibility would be how China has and will deal with variations of cultures and identities that exist within and outside the country.
Meatball Soup on Instagram: (Not) Making a Mountain Out of a Molehill
Wahyudi Akmaliah|A'an Suryana
A proverbial storm has erupted in Indonesia over a foodie influencer enjoying a humble bowl of meatball soup with non-halal crackers. Calmer heads should have prevailed.
Elites vs Citizens: How Singapore and Indonesia are Divided on China
Melinda Martinus
Surveys show that the elite’s opinion toward China diverges with those of citizens in Singapore and Indonesia. Elites tend to weigh long-term geopolitical strategies and have more access to information, but increased citizen engagement will enhance foreign policy.
Polarisations in Indonesia: Distinguishing the Real from the Rhetorical
Max Lane
This Long Read argues that the polarisation perceived in Indonesian mainstream politics is more rhetorical than real. They mainly reflect opportunistic tactical calculations and obscure the real polarisations in Indonesia’s political landscape.
Anwar’s Tried and Failed Strategy to Woo Malay Voters
Azmil Tayeb
Anwar’s gambit to out-Islamise his Islamist political opponents has failed to gain traction. He should stop offering a “lite” version of his opponents’ Islamist agenda and tout a more progressive and inclusive narrative.
Pheu Thai’s New Coalition Betrays the Faith of Voters
Michael J. Montesano
In choosing to align itself with military-backed parties, the Pheu Thai Party has betrayed the faith of voters who believed that democratic principles would best ensure Thailand’s future.