Southeast Asia economies have maintained easier monetary policies to cushion the shock of the Covid-19 pandemic. Now that prices are trending upward, they should think twice before tightening the policies.
Author Archives: blackbox
Will Scammers Derail ASEAN’s Digital Drive?
As Southeast Asian governments push ahead with digitalisation in their respective economies, they need to be mindful that the ease and speed of digital transactions also come with new risks.
Politicians’ Billboard War Underscores Absence of Policy Contestation
Early presidential bids by some Indonesian politicians have highlighted the lack of any policy debate in mainstream Indonesian politics.
The KPK Controversy Keeps Corruption a Central Issue in Public Consciousness
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
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
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
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.