Javanese Dakwah Preacher Capitalises on Charisma, Human Touch to Pull in Crowds
A'an Suryana
Style rather than substance may be what is attracting people, especially women.
Articles
Vietnam’s 46 Per Cent Tariff Shock: A Catalyst for Economic Reform?
Nguyen Hong Thach
Vietnam has in the past embraced reform under pressure. The Trump tariff shock should spur reforms, particularly in reducing non-tariff barriers.
The State of Southeast Asia Survey 2025
Turbulent Waters Remain Top of Mind
Hoang Thi Ha|Eugene R.L. Tan
China has sought to paint a narrative about a peaceful situation in the South China Sea. But Southeast Asian respondents to the State of Southeast Asia Survey 2025 beg to differ.
Laos Streamlines Bureaucracy to Make it More Efficient
Nick J. Freeman
The government plans to merge ministries and reduce redundancy to become more ‘lean’ and ‘robust’.
Southeast Asia’s Potential Role in Rare Earth Elements Diversification
Gloria Lin
Southeast Asia has the chance to participate in rare earth element (REE) supply chain diversification. The region must be strategic and cautious to exploit its REE reserves while avoiding the industry’s perils.
The Narrative Battle for Malay Muslim Support: PAS’ Exclusivist Dominance vs Madani’s Administrative Tactics
Amrita Malhi
After the Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) “Green Wave” of 2022-23, a wide range of Malaysian political actors believed that Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani federal government would not act to counter its narratives. Instead, Anwar’s forces have signalled that they would only check PAS using “administrative” tactics, and only in selected battles and arenas. As a result, PAS holds the narrative advantage. It is free to experiment and is ramping up its use of new and existing cultural assets to burnish its messages.
Reassessing Anies Baswedan’s Legacy in Jakarta: Institutionalising Collaboration to Address Urban Challenges
Najwa Abdullah
Apart from his political legacy, former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan might have left a lasting policy and bureaucratic impact on how Jakarta develops as an urban city, quite apart from its identity as the nation’s capital, which it is about to shed.
Thailand’s New Semiconductor Strategy: Ambitious but Challenging
Juthathip Jongwanich|Archanun Kohpaiboon
Thailand has ambitious plans to upgrade its semiconductor sector. There are challenges ahead, however, which require good governance and oversight.
The State of Southeast Asia Survey 2025
ASEAN’s Image Fades but Expectations Remain High
Melinda Martinus
Southeast Asians welcome a strengthening of ASEAN’s political and economic influence, which has relatively declined in the past year. ASEAN must adapt and assert itself to restore confidence.
‘Dark Indonesia’ and the Anxiety of Indonesian Middle Class
Burhanuddin Muhtadi
The series of student and civil society protests across Indonesia and some recent surveys reveal a middle class for which all is not well.