After months of speculation about what a Prabowo government would be like, the picture has become clearer. A large parliamentary coalition, also described as a ‘political cartel’, has coalesced to support Prabowo and his government. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) stands as the only party that is neither a part nor a supporter of this coalition.
Author Archives: blackbox
Thai-Cambodian Tensions: For Thailand, Appeasement Will Not Hold the Line
In seeking to defuse tensions with Cambodia over a border dispute, Thai premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra has scored an own goal. Thailand now faces an uphill climb in resolving the dispute.
Facilitating Gainful Labour Migration in Southeast Asia Remains an Elusive Task
ASEAN has focused on facilitating high-skilled labour mobility, although the vast majority of migrant workers occupy medium- and low-skilled jobs. Disparities in labour standards and uncoordinated migrant labour systems continue to impede the realisation of an integrated regional labour market.
Trump Administration’s International Student Curbs Risk Undermining US Soft Power
The Trump administration’s curbs on foreign student admissions not only risk undermining US soft power but could also pave the way for more educational exchanges between China and Southeast Asia.
Positioning Thailand as an LGBTQ+ Tourism Hub: Opportunities and Challenges
Thailand has begun to market its LGBTQ+ friendliness to woo LGBTQ+ tourists and boost the economy. While the country has made progressive strides by legalising same-sex marriage, transgender individuals still face systemic hurdles.
Understanding Bobby Saputra, Indonesia’s ‘Professional Son’
Bobby’s satirical skewering of nepotism and corruption strongly appeals to Southeast Asians, who share disillusionment and a desire to laugh at a system seen as unfair and ineffective.
US-China Negotiations in London Signal a Tough Road Ahead for Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian countries lack the personal rapport and leverage that have shaped US-China bargaining, and with US’ limited bandwidth, could find themselves on the outside looking in.
Pulling Hanoi from the Pollution Precipice
Hanoi’s air pollution crisis demands action in emission regulation, waste management, and climate mitigation.
Towards a Just Energy Transition in Southeast Asia
A number of policy frameworks have been developed at the regional and national levels to facilitate a just energy transition, but the implementation of these policies is constrained by low levels of public participation, lack of financing and fossil fuel lobbies.
Divergent Strategies and Domestic Politics Hinder a Resolution to the Cambodia-Thailand Border Dispute
Cambodia has taken the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) while Thailand insists on bilateral negotiation. How both nations choose to respond to the ICJ’s decision will be critical.