A massive second wave of delta-variant infections has disrupted Indonesia’s economic growth trajectory. This complicates the government’s budget implementation and planning for 2022. While funds are sorely needed for social spending and economic programmes, fiscal prudence is critical to avoid any downgrading of Indonesia’s risk and debt ratings.
Author Archives: Lyd w
The 2022 Philippine Elections: Like Father, like Daughter-te
The son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos and the daughter of the current populist president Rodrigo Duterte are seeking to consolidate the power of their inter-dynasty alliance. The formation of an inter-dynasty alliance will have implications for the country’s political landscape for years.
The Future of Duterte’s Pivot to China: A Non-Defeatist Approach
Duterte’s China pivot is at a crossroads. The upcoming May polls will give the leading presidential candidates some room to rethink the country’s China policy.
COP26 and Southeast Asia: Cop-outs and Take-Aways
The conclusion of the 26th Conference of Parties in Glasgow has several implications for Southeast Asia.
State of Southeast Asia Survey 2022
How Much Longer Can Thailand’s Prime Minister Rule Before Reaching the Eight-year Limit?
A dispute has emerged over when Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha’s premiership will reach the constitutional limit.
Southeast Asia and the Major Powers: Climate Change and the Need For Shrewdness
Although geopolitics is encroaching onto climate change discussions, a poll shows that Southeast Asians remain objective and pragmatic. Achieving climate goals in the region depends on realpolitik and ASEAN leaders’ shrewdness in tapping resources from all major powers.
Standing Up to Be Counted
The lack of common and comparable ASEAN-wide business statistics is an impediment to realising the vision of an ASEAN Economic Community.
Why US Rivalry with China Will Endure: Implications for Southeast Asia
Despite the Biden government’s efforts to improve relations with Southeast Asia, considerable domestic constraints hinder Washington from joining multilateral economic groups or de-emphasising human rights concerns to compete more effectively with China in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia’s National Trade Blueprint: Mind the Gap
Malaysia’s newly unveiled National Trade Blueprint seeks to arrest the country’s downward slide in global export rankings. But its prescriptions may fall short of what is needed in today’s environment.