Jakarta and Papua: Where There are No Risk-Free Choices
Max Lane
Recent events in Papua underscore the fact that there is no solution that is entirely free of risk for Jakarta. Instead, the choice is between separate sets of risks.
Articles
Sinovac or Not: Thai Vaccine Politics
Tita Sanglee
The country’s political polarisation is hindering the government’s COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Malaysia’s Federal and State Government Vaccine Drives: Too Many Cooks?
Francis E. Hutchinson
Due to the federal government’s slow vaccination rate, some state governments have stepped into the breach to inoculate their populations. Their collective experience thus far has been somewhat patchy.
Crisis upon Crisis: Fighting COVID-19 Becomes a Political Struggle after Myanmar’s Military Coup
Courtney T. Wittekind
In the aftermath of Myanmar’s coup, a nationwide strike by civil servants and lack of trust in the military regime that staged the February 1 takeover has reversed the country’s hard-won progress in the fight against COVID-19. The potential spread of the virus amongst protestors could accelerate the system-wide collapse of the already fragile health sector.
COVID-19 Measures in Malaysia: Resentment and Rancour Brewing on the Ground
Serina Rahman
As the government rolls out stricter measures to control the spread of COVID-19, it is unfortunate that some people on the ground blame the authorities for their incompetence instead of working together to break the back of the virus.
Fighting Covid-19: China’s Soft Power Opportunities in Mainland Southeast Asia
Chheang Vannarith
In mainland Southeast Asia, the Chinese government’s effective measures to curb the pandemic outbreak at home and the provision of Covid-19 assistance to regional countries have enhanced China’s soft power. Most of the mainland Southeast Asian countries, except Vietnam, have been receptive to China’s Covid-19 diplomacy.
When Busting the Graft Busters is Not On
A'an Suryana
A series of changes in Indonesia’s KPK will seriously dent the anti-graft body’s ability to investigate cases of corruption.
Military Rule in Myanmar: Parsing the Propaganda
Courtney T. Wittekind
Critics of the Myanmar military should not be too quick in dismissing its propaganda. A closer examination reveals the junta’s priorities and strategy.
Philippine-US Cooperation on Whitsun Reef: A “Win” for the Biden Team in Southeast Asia?
Robert Sutter
Southeast Asian views of the United States declined during the Trump administration, and persisted into the Biden administration early on in the year. But Washington’s sustained support for Manila amid the latter’s recent confrontation with China in the South China Sea has helped to offset negative perceptions of Uncle Sam in the region.
Borderland Without Business: The Economic Impact of Covid-19 on Peninsular Malaysia’s Southernmost State of Johor
Serina Rahman
The state of Johor has suffered disproportionately among Malaysian states due to the impact of Covid-induced border closures. Increasing poverty and unemployment are compounded by decreasing mental health and well-being. Several initiatives have been launched to alleviate difficulties. But the state will not fully recover until borders reopen, given Johor’s high dependence on international investments and its deep connections with Singapore for business, investment and livelihoods.