Unhappiness among villagers in Rempang, close to Batam island, has led to riots in Batam City and threatens existing and future foreign investment. A small but diminishing window exists in which the local and central governments can improve their approach towards convincing residents of the need to relocate for a better future.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Climate Resilience in Southeast Asia: Adapt and Mitigate Before It’s Too Late
Southeast Asia must prioritise climate resilience, encompassing adaptation and mitigation. The process must be strategically managed, informed by data and applied across a broad range of solutions.
Vietnam and Washington’s “De-risking” Strategy: It’s the Economy, Stupid
The historic upgrade in Vietnam-U.S. relations has more to do with the economics than defence and security.
Does ASEAN Matter for Myanmar?
Now that the ASEAN Summit is over, serious questions remain about how exactly the regional grouping can begin to resolve the Myanmar crisis, despite stronger words and a slight toughening of position.
The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) – Ground-breaking or Ground to a Halt?
If ASEAN’s ten member states can negotiate and come to agree on the world’s first regional digital economy agreement, the region’s continued pace of digital transformation is set to soar. Whether its wings are clipped depends on a complex range of domestic, intra- and inter-regional factors, but at least things are looking promising.
Thailand’s Elite Reconfiguration: Old Wine in New Bottles
The installation of a Pheu Thai-led government with the aid of conservative elements underscores a significant transformation in Thailand’s ruling structures.
Prabowo as Defence Minister: From Problematic Purchases to Provocative Proposals
Notwithstanding his high popularity in recent polls, Prabowo Subianto’s uneven track record as defence minister begs more scrutiny from Indonesian voters before they head to the presidential vote next February.
Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan: Clear-Eyed on Implementation
Malaysia newest industrial master plan has a stronger focus on deliverables, with a focus on action plans and the monitoring of implementation.
Muhaimin Iskandar’s Vice-Presidential Candidacy and Nahdlatul Ulama
As his running mate, Muhaimin Iskandar could bring something to the table for Anies Baswedan’s 2024 campaign and the former would not be down and out even if their team does not beat the other two presidential contenders next February.
China’s Military Exercises in Southeast Asia Belie Lack of Trust
The PLA has increased the number of military exercises conducted with its smaller regional neighbours this year. But the scope, frequency and sophistication of the exercises still lag behind those conducted by the United States.