Southeast Asia is highly dependent on a volatile global supply of synthetic fertilisers. Local fertiliser production by natural means, through novel innovations, offer more sustainable alternatives worthy of policy action.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Why ASEAN Appreciates Japan’s Nuanced Approach to Regional Order
Japan’s foreign policy stance strikes the right tone in a region on alert for potential big power rivalry to worsen.
Anies Baswedan and the Elusive Endorsement of Nahdlatul Ulama
In Indonesian politics, securing the support of the country’s largest mass Muslim organisation would be a jewel in the crown.
National Mandate Party (PAN)’s Tough Choice for 2024
The traditional linkages between political parties and mass organisations where Indonesia’s moderate Muslims are concerned may be shifting, with consequences in and beyond 2024.
Anwar’s Coalition Government: Navigating Tricky Undercurrents
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has secured some breathing space after the passing of his maiden budget and a successful trip to Beijing. But he has dangerous undercurrents to navigate going into state elections.
Short-Term Pain for Long-Term Gain: Tax Reforms for Timor-Leste’s Trade Integration with ASEAN
Timor-Leste’s prospective ASEAN membership will potentially deliver both the benefits of expanded trade and losses in trade tax revenues. The latter can be avoided through a clear-cut strategy of tax reforms along with a trade-related adjustment programme.
Can Piety be Classy? Symbols and Societal Tensions Underlying “Branded” Hijabs
Malay/Muslim women in fashionable headscarves are influencing Islamic fashion trends across the globe and the trend can make a statement personally, politically, and piously.
If At First You Don’t Succeed: Australia Woos the Indo-Pacific on AUKUS
Australia made extensive diplomatic overtures to Asia prior to its March update about the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine arrangement with the United Kingdom and the United States. Canberra appears to have gained some traction in the region, but it should not rest on its laurels.
Indonesia 2024: Coalition Manoeuvres Heading for A Single Presidential Candidate?
More elaborate politicking for the 2024 presidential race in Indonesia has not thrown up a clear frontrunner; watch this space.
The Curious Case of Cagayan: Localisation of U.S.-China Rivalry in the Philippines
The locus of superpower rivalry in the Indo-Pacific has gone down to the subnational level. The United States and China are engaged in a power competition for influence within local governments in the Philippines.