Transboundary haze has reared its ugly head again, no thanks to peatland burning and the compounding effects of the El Nino phenomenon and climate change. It is high time to break the vicious cycle of haze and climate change.
Author Archives: blackbox
Southeast Asia’s Need to Bridge the Climate Financing Gap
As COP 28 approaches, Southeast Asia policymakers see the need for climate adaptation as well as mitigation. But there is an urgent need to encourage multiple sources of finance in this arena.
Preventing Indonesia’s “Digitalised” Democracy from Backsliding
Digital technology has played a vital role in empowering political participation and shaping political discourse in Indonesia, but more must be done to curb divisive rhetoric and disinformation — and to safeguard democracy.
Johor By-elections: A Cautionary Tale For The Unity Government
The recent by-elections in Johor are a shot across the bow for the Unity Government.
Hard Truths in the Strategic Conversation between the United States and Southeast Asia
Amid intensifying Sino-US competition, the strategic conversation between the United States and Southeast Asia is in danger of being stuck in a rut. While messages from the region’s leaders to their American counterparts have been received, the latter see these refrains as hackneyed. It is high time for Southeast Asia to internalise the shifts in Uncle Sam’s approach to the region and proceed accordingly.
Perceptions of Energy Transition in Southeast Asia: Between Hope and Fear
The latest Southeast Asian Climate Outlook shows that people in the region generally have positive perceptions about the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy. But they are wary of the potential impacts of such a transition on bread and butter issues.
Growing Food Insecurity Among Southeast Asians – And Concern That Climate Change Will Make It Worse
Even before the recent rice price rises, Southeast Asians have been experiencing food insecurity and had growing concerns about climate impacts on food security. The ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s recent Climate Outlook Survey 2023 provides a snapshot of the scale of this concern.
“Influence Operations” in the Philippines: New Frontiers of Online Manipulation
The Philippines’ current information disorder goes beyond “digital disinformation” to “influence operations” which propagate manipulative political narratives. Initiatives to counter online manipulation need to be creative and engaging.
What the Gereja Kristen Indonesia (GKI) Yasmin Case Says about Religious Freedom in Indonesia
After waiting for 16 years, the Gereja Kristen Indonesia (GKI) Yasmin congregation in Indonesia can finally worship peacefully after relocating to a new church building. This Long Read argues that the forced relocation of houses of worship for minority faiths and succumbing to the majoritarian principle only infringes upon the rights of minorities.
China-Vietnam Party-to-Party Ties: A Tie that Binds
Vietnam appears to be drawing closer to the U.S. with the recent upgrade in ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This development, however, should not be overestimated as Vietnam-China relations, especially party-to-party ties, remain strong.