blackbox

The KPK Controversy Keeps Corruption a Central Issue in Public Consciousness

Students hold a placard depicting an epitaph symbolising the death of the country's corruption eradication commission, during a rally in front of the parliament building in Jakarta on 1 October, 2019, demanding lawmakers to revoke a revised anti-corruption law. (Photo: Bay ISMOYO /AFP)

Policies affecting the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) have kept corruption salient in public consciousness. There is growing discontent and anger driven by the perception that the Indonesian political elites are colluding to weaken the KPK to promote their own vested interests.

Retno Goes to Washington: Indonesia Sticks to ‘Free and Active’ Foreign Policy

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi speak to members of the media after a bilateral meeting at Department of State in Washington, on 3 August, 2021. (Photo: Jose Luis MAGANA / AFP)

Washington has played up its growing relationship with Jakarta. For the latter, it is all about what Jakarta can get from the closer ties, and balancing its position within the Sino-US relationship.

Malaysia’s New Cabinet: Same-Same, Minus the Buzz

The new Malaysian cabinet looks very similar to that of its Perikatan Nasional predecessor. By seeking to ensure continuity, new prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has sacrificed the new administration’s honeymoon period. It needs to generate some inspiring ideas.

Prospect of a 3rd Jokowi Term: Trial Balloons Unlikely to Fly?

Speculation of the possibility of Indonesian President Jokowi seeking a third term in office remains rife. However, there currently appears to be near-unanimous opposition to the idea.

Resetting the Security Sector in Malaysia

Given the pressing domestic and external challenges that Malaysia is facing, it is high time for a refreshed National Security Council that will be able to coordinate policy at the highest level.

Biden After Afghanistan: Hitting the Buffers in Southeast Asia

Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) gestures to US Vice President Kamala Harris as they meet in the Government office in Hanoi on 25 August, 2021. (Photo: Evelyn HOCKSTEIN/ AFP)

The Biden Administration has sought to re-engage with Southeast Asia, but there are limits to how much traction it can get in the region.

Vietnam: Turning the Tables on Covid-19

A man talks with his wife and daughter from behind a barricade inside a blocked neighborhood in Hanoi on 24 August, 2021 during the government-imposed lockdown to stop the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus. (Photo: Nhac NGUYEN/ AFP)

Vietnam, which enjoyed a relatively fuss-free year fighting Covid-19 in 2020, has had to re-assess its strategy and adopt a newer approach to living with the coronavirus.

IPCC Report: No Time for Southeast Asia To Take it Easy

A child pushes his bike through floodwaters following heavy rain at a residential area of Ajun on the outskirts of Banda Aceh on 11 August, 2021. (Photo: Chaideer MAHYUDDIN/ AFP)

The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has some sobering data applicable to Southeast Asia. Whether countries muster up the political will to follow through on their commitments will be key.

Malaysia’s New PM: Bi-partisanship is Good, Non-partisanship Even Better

Malaysia’s new prime minister has called for public demonstrations of unity as the country goes through a difficult time of the Covid-19 pandemic and economic hardship. The country needs less a bi-partisan front and more a competent, dedicated and accountable administration.