President Joko Widodo doubtless hopes to leave behind a legacy that will remind Indonesians of his grand plans for a developed, vibrant, and economically mature country. His latest – and last – budget shows what a tall order that will be.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Anwar’s Sidestepping Ethnic Policies: Not a Way to Gain Ground
The Unity government concedes that the status quo of ethnic quotas in Malaysia cannot be changed. They are easily tarred by PN as meek and ambivalent toward Malay interests, and simultaneously disappoint non-Malays who nonetheless vote for them because PN is viewed as a worse alternative.
Thaksin’s Machinations and Overturning the People’s Mandate
Exiled prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has sought a route for his return to Thailand. Unfortunately, any new political configuration would involve a compact between the Pheu Thai Party and its erstwhile enemies. This would subvert the electoral mandate of the people.
Vietnam and Thailand’s Rice Cartel is a Hard Sell – but Rice Farmers Need More Help
Vietnam and Thailand have repeatedly sought to form a rice cartel to influence rice prices, but such an initiative faces ethical, political and practical hurdles. A rice consortium pursuing multiple objectives offers a better option for developing the rice sector and supporting rice farmers.
Malaysia’s State Elections: Surprisingly Unremarkable
Numerous interpretations have been offered for the recent state elections in Malaysia. They may offer some truth, but the results also conform with general expectations for a mid-term election that have little to do with the specifics of Malaysia.
Increased Cybertrooper Activity in Malaysia’s State Elections and Increased Voter Apathy on Social Media
The ugliness on social media during the campaigning for last week’s Malaysian state elections may mark an irreversible trend in the country’s politics, and not for the better.
On the Horns of Anwar’s Twin Dilemmas
The results of the recent state elections in Malaysia were not unexpected. But the more important thing is Pakatan Harapan’s pursuit of the Malay vote, and what this portends for the coalition going into the next general election.
Ganjar Pranowo’s Running Mate: What’s in PDI-P’s Playbook?
While his party has come up with a shortlist of potential running mates, the decision as to who will run with Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo to be his vice-president will most likely lie with none other than a former president who is Ganjar’s party boss.
Personnel Changes at China’s Foreign Ministry: Beijing Will Stay the Course on Southeast Asia
Recent top-level changes at China’s foreign ministry are unlikely to affect Beijing’s foreign policy orientation towards Southeast Asia. The region remains important in light of China’s difficult relationship with the United States and other key countries.
Malaysia’s State Elections: When “Referendum” Takes Precedence over Reformasi
It may well be true that not much has changed after the six state elections in Malaysia last week. But much of the political ground – specifically among Malay voters – has shifted towards the opposition.