The practice of money politics in Indonesia is insidious, entrenched, and not likely to go away anytime soon, because it works.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Energy and Agrarian Justice in Southeast Asia’s Green Transition
The drive towards renewable energy in Southeast Asia should not ignore the concept of just energy transition.
ASEAN-Australia Relations: Working Out Hard Issues for Regional Stability
ASEAN-Australia relations look set to power on for the next 50 years after the recent commemoration of the first 50 but some difficult issues need to be worked out.
Introducing Gus Miftah: A Celebrity Cleric Consolidating Prabowo-Gibran’s Victory
A plank of Prabowo Subianto’s team’s winning strategy for East and Central Java in last month’s election rested on the shoulders of an unusual cleric who hails from Nadhlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest mass Muslim organisation.
Strengthening Australia-ASEAN Cooperation in Maritime Cybersecurity
ASEAN and Australia need to work out practical ways to cooperate on cyber security in the maritime industry.
Jakarta in Indonesia’s 2024 Election: Going Against the Electoral Grain
Grassroots legislative candidates in Jakarta face an uphill battle in their struggle to make electoral politics work for the poor, including changing perceptions of the value of a vote.
Yusfarizal Yussoff’s “Deplorable Mention”: A Man to Watch
Yusfarizal Yussoff was given a “deplorable mention” by Federal Court justices last month. The career of the up-and-coming lawyer from Parti Islam SeMalaysia needs to be watched closely.
The “Jokowi Factor”: How Joko Widodo Helped Prabowo to Win Indonesia’s Presidency
The presumptive president-elect received an assist from the president of Indonesia not only through populist policies aimed at winning over the country’s poorest. Committing his firstborn son to the presidential campaign was essentially interpreted by voters as an instruction to vote for his former opponent.
Why XanhSM Might Dethrone Grab in Vietnam
Southeast Asia’s ride-hailing giant Grab has a new serious competitor in Vietnam. XanhSM, also known as GreenSM in international markets, has rapidly expanded by offering more secure employment and lower costs for drivers, and achieving high client satisfaction. But turning a profit will be challenging.
Anwar’s Year at the Helm: Economic Leadership in Turbulent Times
Anwar Ibrahim’s ratings have been sliding as Malaysia’s economic concerns continue to mount. But the prime minister should not be blamed entirely.