Jokowi’s Dilemma: Spirit Versus Sharia
Syafiq Hasyim
President Jokowi Widodo’s cancellation of a presidential decree on alcohol investment underscores a long-running contestation between the powers of the state and sharia law.
Articles
Why the United States is an Unreliable Partner to Southeast Asia
Shaun Narine
As long as the Republican Party remains a viable political party capable of gaining power, the US will be politically unstable, and as a result, be an unreliable ally in the future.
Governor’s Arrest a Wake-up Call for Indonesia’s Flawed Electoral System
A'an Suryana
High profile arrests expose the costs and corruption of Indonesian democracy.
Cambodia Embraces China’s Controversial Confucius Institutes
Chheang Vannarith
China’s Confucius Institutes have been vilified in the West, but they have gained much traction in Cambodia. This is not surprising, given Cambodia is one of China's closest allies in Southeast Asia.
Criticising Indonesia’s Anti-Criticism Law: Irony of Ironies
Max Lane
Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo has called for criticism of his administration. He got more than he bargained for.
Vietnam’s Mekong Middle Power Diplomacy
Phan Xuan Dung
Hanoi is applying its South China Sea playbook to the Mekong.
Malaysia’s Digital Economy Blueprint: More is Not Better
Tham Siew Yean
This 100+ page plan may hinder more than help the country’s digital economy transformation.
What’s Good for the Goose is Good for the Gander
Termsak Chalermpalanupap
The convictions of three ministers do not augur well for the ruling coalition led by Thai Prime Minister Prayut. It also sets a precedent for pro-democracy protestors who have been detained - invoking one’s constitutional right to justify unlawful protest activities is an invalid legal defence.
To Be Young and Rich: Indonesia’s Vaccination Controversies
Max Lane
No parliamentary opposition means the government is not held to account for its vaccination programme.
Constant and Continuous: Vietnam’s Foreign Policy After The 13th Party Congress
Chheang Vannarith|Nguyen Huu Tuc
Hedging between the US and China while promoting a rules-based South China Sea will continue to guide Vietnam’s foreign policy.