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.
Articles
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.
No-Confidence Motion in Thailand: Dissension Within and Without
Punchada Sirivunnabood
The recent no-confidence vote by the opposition in Thailand’s parliament shows that the ruling coalition is being riled by internal conflict.
The State of Southeast Asia Survey
For India, Miles to Go to Reengage Southeast Asia
Dhruva Jaishankar
The latest State of Southeast Asia Survey presents a sobering picture for India. New Delhi has its work cut out for it if it wants to engage the region more.