Indonesia’s national mosque in Jakarta has a storied past and stands as a beacon of tolerance and understanding. Can the new national mosque to be, still under construction in Nusantara, be an adequate replacement?
Author Archives: blackbox
Growing Piety among Malaysian Youth Should be Taken with a Pinch of Salt
The ISEAS Youth Survey 2024 results show that religiosity in leaders is important to Malay/Muslim students but bread-and-butter issues may be more critical to them.
Border Crackdown on Organised Crime Puts Vulnerable Myanmar Population in Thailand at Risk
The authorities of affected countries should crack down on crime at the Thailand-Myanmar border. However, they should also consider what the human cost of such policing might be for thousands of displaced and vulnerable Myanmar citizens.
Online and Offline Support for Marriage Equality in Thailand
What explains Thailand’s landmark Marriage Equality Law, which came into effect last month?
Public Caning in Terengganu: Full Implementation of Sharia Law in Malaysia?
An unprecedented public caning in Terengganu could pave the way for similar punishments in other states. This could lead to the full implementation of Syariah law.
Myanmar’s Internet Shutdowns: Silencing Resistance in the Battle for Connectivity
In a virtual war alongside its physical one, Myanmar’s junta aims to cut off online access for its people and the resistance. The world can help by supporting Myanmar citizens in their attempts to stay connected.
The Ahlus Sunnah (or Salafist) Movement in Perlis: What is Madani’s Stand?
A convention of Salafist Muslims will meet this weekend in Perlis, Malaysia. This raises questions about how allowing this branch of religious practice and ideology sits with the federal government’s stance on a moderate vision for Islam in Malaysia.
Najib Dilemma Sows Discord in Malaysia’s Unity Government
Najib Razak’s bid to serve the balance of his jail term at home has brought together two erstwhile political partners and threatens the stability of the Unity Government.
Will Southeast Asian Countries Pass the US’ Heightened Export Controls?
Tightened controls on exports of advanced technologies with US-origin components or technologies will affect key semiconductor-related manufacturing sectors. Southeast Asia can respond with short, medium, and long-run strategies.
Expansion of the Indonesian Army: A Creeping Dual Function?
A plan to expand the Indonesian Army’s domestic reach suggests the potential reassertion of “dual function” under its new president. That this is aimed at rolling out free meals — for now — is insufficient consolation to those who fear the return of the military into Indonesia’s politics.