Indonesia’s Democratic Transition and Stalled Military Reform
Fannesa Adisty Laksmita
Deepening political constraints and narrowing space for civil society are stalling the Indonesian Armed Forces’ already limited reform agenda.
Articles
Myanmar’s Overvalued Exchange Rates Are a Recipe for Economic Deterioration
Jared Bissinger
Myanmar’s people will continue to suffer under the ‘new’ government’s vague economic direction.
Prabowo’s Nickel State: Indonesia’s Search for Power
Kevin Zongzhe Li
Will the Prabowo administration's agenda of centralisation and state control over the nickel sector build lasting industrial capacity, or be even more extractive?
How Southeast Asians Experience Chinese-Built Infrastructure
Eugene R.L. Tan|Hoang Thi Ha
This Long Read reports the findings of an online survey on perceptions of Chinese-built infrastructure in Southeast Asia. It reflects both the tangible benefits of these projects and broader considerations shaping regional views of China as an infrastructure development partner.
Indonesia’s 100 GW Solar Ambition: Can Rural Cooperatives Bridge the Gap?
Elbinsar Purba
Indonesia’s plan to generate 100 GW of solar energy is laudable. However, there are serious concerns about implementation.
Sino-US Action Against Drugs Keeps Functional Cooperation High
Zha Daojiong
China and the US have been working together to combat illicit drug activities. This will have a significant impact on Southeast Asia.
Light Footprint, Strong Signal: Rethinking US-Cambodian Cooperation
Pou Sothirak|A. Peyson Hunt
There is a window of opportunity for Cambodia to re-engage with the US. Bilateral military exercises constitute a good option.
How Small States Can Survive Big Changes: Laos, Mekong and ASEAN in the Age of Might Makes Right
Anoulak Kittikhoun
“Might makes right” is back in form with major powers’ use of tariffs and military actions, leaving small states like Laos with fewer buffers and narrower margins for error than more capable middle powers. This Long Read explores options and imperatives for Laos as it navigates new geopolitical realities.
China and the US: Who Will Better Understand Southeast Asia?
Zenobia Chan
The US appears to be losing to China in the race to understand Southeast Asia. The real test, however, centres on whether a country can sustain the institutions to study the region critically.
Indonesia’s Resource Nationalism Is Testing Its Relationship with China
Siwage Dharma Negara|Leo Suryadinata
The interests of Chinese investors and the Prabowo administration are increasingly misaligned.