Despite earlier misgivings about his overly domestic focus, President Joko Widodo’s recent trip to Australia underscores how he has matured as a statesman and improved bilateral ties with Indonesia’s southern neighbour. Indonesia’s growing middle power influence was illustrated by Widodo’s subsequent visit to Papua New Guinea.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Quad-lite Makes Right?
Analyses about the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) tend to focus on its four-way formal structures. An examination of the bilateral and plurilateral interactions between Quad members, as well as those between Quad members and other regional states, suggests that their coalition building is much more nimble and flexible.
From Likes to Lies: Disinformation in the Philippines and Thailand
Recent elections in Thailand and the Philippines have seen the use of disinformation. Currently, policy options to tackle such a phenomenon remain limited.
Will the Labour Party Successfully Challenge the Dominance of “Elektabilitas” Politics in Indonesia?
A small new party is sticking to its ideological guns but will probably not make much of a dent in the established elite’s stranglehold on Indonesia’s electoral politics.
What’s the Matter with MUDA – is it Moody or just Misunderstood?
The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) has parted ways with Pakatan Harapan to contest the upcoming state elections. Although some have written the youth-focused party off, there might yet be method to its madness.
An ‘Islamic Lifestyle’: When Piety Meets Consumerism?
The growing Muslim middle class’s appetite for consumer goods with halal and religious-inspired branding raises challenging questions about whether conspicuous consumption sits well with expressions of religiosity.
Malaysia’s 2023 State Elections: So Much Fuss For So Little Work
Amid the political spectacle, Malaysia should critically consider the meagre roles and resources of state governments. The irony is that states, in following their own election cycles, end up augmenting federal dominance and disempowering themselves.
Time to Tackle Illegal Foreign Businesses in Thailand
Illicit nominations of Thais as shareholders in businesses run by Chinese operators are threatening local concerns. This highlights a dense network of transnational criminal activity that the Thai authorities are up against.
Recalibrating Vietnam’s Electricity Cooperation with Laos
Vietnam is planning to import more electricity from hydropower facilities in Laos. Such an arrangement, however, poses a threat to the food security and livelihoods of Vietnamese living in the Mekong Delta.
Pilgrimage, Piety, and Politics: “Haji” Presidents in Indonesia
Many politicians eyeing Indonesia’s two top political jobs are performing the Hajj this year. While doing so might boost their political capital, it is unlikely to bag them an outright victory at next year’s polls.