The May 2025 BARMM elections will not only decide the fate of the conflict-ridden region but also test whether its rules can effectively reduce the dominance of political dynasties.
Author Archives: chahaewon
Controversy on Indonesia’s Hajj 2024 Rekindles Conflict Between Nahdlatul Ulama and the National Awakening Party
There is a lot more going on behind the scenes between the leadership of Indonesia’s largest Muslim organisation and the party which sprung from its roots. What might be personal has certainly become political.
The Twilight of Electoral Competition in Indonesia
Recent student-led demonstrations throughout Indonesia show that popular support for democracy remains high. This support is not necessarily shared, however, by political parties who are collaborating in an increasingly cartel-like fashion to shrink electoral competition.
Data Centres: Johor’s Next Frontier
As global reliance on cloud storage fuels the growth of data centres in Johor, the state needs to be cautious when allocating vast amounts of land to this as-yet-unproven undertaking.
Evaluating Indonesian Muslims’ Engagement with China
In the past decade, China has extensively engaged with Muslim communities in Indonesia, primarily through collaborative efforts with major Islamic organizations. This Long Read examines the motivations of Indonesia’s Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah in their engagements with China, arguing that they align with their respective goals of promoting Archipelagic Islam and Progressive Islam globally.
China’s Education Outreach in Malaysia: Need for Tact and Trust
China’s outreach into Malaysia’s education sector needs to be mindful of the country’s delicate social fabric.
The Waning of Malaysia’s Green Wave? Too Early to Call
The Green Wave in Malaysia might have subsided somewhat but it is still alive.
China Strengthens Higher Educational Ties with Southeast Asian Nations
In higher education, China and Southeast Asia enjoy a symbiotic relationship.
Run For Their Money: Unequal Constituency Development Funds in Malaysia
Malaysia should consider a Constituency Development Act which would lay out the roles and responsibilities for disbursing constituency development funds to MPs.
Should Southeast Asia Jump on the Low-Carbon Hydrogen Industrial Hub Bandwagon?
Though major economies are prioritising low-carbon hydrogen industrial hubs in their drive towards net-zero targets, Southeast Asia and ASEAN have unique factors to consider before doing the same.