The victory of the Prabowo-Gibran team in Indonesia’s 2024 presidential elections was due to Jokowi’s high approval rating and support from young voters. The Bansos social assistance scheme also maintained support for Jokowi which in turn boosted support for Prabowo-Gibran indirectly.
Author Archives: blackbox
Why the Russia-Ukraine War Continues to Fret Southeast Asia
Despite the Russia-Ukraine war’s geographical distance from Southeast Asia, the conflict continues to be a major concern for the region’s elite, especially in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.
The Risks and Perceived Rewards of Rising Revivalist Populism in Malaysia
The unhelpful antics of a particular populist politician in Malaysia reflect the dangers of playing up differences when a country needs unity.
Platforming and Free Speech: Academia Caught Off Guard in Malaysia
Inflammatory conduct by a visiting foreign professor ignited a firestorm in Malaysia’s academia. The debacle underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to free speech, and a critical consideration of who gets to use the university as a platform.
Hidden Costs of Academic Dishonesty: The Case of Indonesia
Indonesian academia was recently shocked by two egregious examples of professors plagiarising others’ work. Some deep soul-searching and reform must occur to set things right.
Agrarian Reform and Land Rights in Indonesia
The next administration has a chance to right the wrongs perpetuated by the outgoing president, whose administration has allowed private and vested interests to overrule or ignore indigenous land rights in Indonesia’s hungry quest for development.
Vietnam’s War Against Corruption Needs to Address Root Causes
There is no dispute that Vietnam’s anti-corruption drive is necessary. But the campaign does not address the root causes of the malfeasance.
Why Identity Polarisation Mattered Less in Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Election
The absence of identity politics in Indonesia’s February presidential polls points to the recognition that this factor can be a double-edged sword, especially when wooing a younger electorate that is savvy on social media and seemingly less susceptible to manipulation.
Resolution of Electoral Dispute Marks Start of Horse-Trading in Indonesia
Indonesia’s Constitutional Court has dismissed a slew of lawsuits related to the country’s elections in February. The ensuing calm only masks the intense horse-trading that is occurring behind the scenes.
Cambodia’s Outreach to the West Does Not Change China’s Centrality
The view that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is recharting foreign policy — by reaching out to Western countries and relying less on China — is overblown. China remains Cambodia’s closest friend due to its inside track to the Cambodian elite and its pervasive influence in Cambodia’s economy.