Celebrity podcasts have increasingly become the go-to place for Indonesian politicians and high-ranking officials. The problem, however, is that these platforms lack the same level of journalistic integrity and scrutiny.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Indonesia’s 2024 Elections: Party Elite Interest Versus Mass Popularity
Indonesia’s major political parties have started jostling for position for the 2024 elections, where party incumbency may be forced to give way to the people’s demands for the most popular choice.
Thai Parliamentarians Should Learn from Their Malaysian Counterparts
Thailand should take a leaf from Malaysia, which has effected a law to deter party hoppers in the country’s legislature.
The G7’s Global Infrastructure and Investment Drive: Not So Attractive For Southeast Asia
The Group of 7’s new infrastructure and investment drive seeks to provide what Southeast Asia needs, such as financing for hard infrastructure. But the need for multiple stakeholders and financing issues might not garner much buy-in from the region.
When Lack of Jaw Jaw Might Lead to War War
Washington and Beijing’s refusal to talk calmly to each other about the ongoing Taiwan crisis raises the stakes for Southeast Asia, which is already dealing with the repercussions of the chill between the great powers.
Is the ASEAN Secretariat Overdue for a Renewed Mandate?
As ASEAN marks 55 years of existence, the pressing challenge of strengthening and empowering its Secretariat needs to be faced if the organisation is to remain relevant.
Hunger, Malnutrition and Climate Change: Challenges Facing Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian governments must be on guard against worsening food security in the region, lest its effects complicate post-pandemic recovery and exacerbate existing inequalities.
Time for Vietnam to Apply Minimum Wage to Gig Economy Workers
On paper, gig workers appear to be paid more than their salaried worker counterparts in Vietnam. But the former have to work for longer hours and do not have access to the same benefits enjoyed by the latter. As such, the proposed raise in minimum wage should be applied to gig workers too.
China’s Think-Tank Diplomacy in Southeast Asia: Idea Exchange or Echo Chamber?
China’s intensified efforts to engage with regional think-tanks have not produced the results it has hoped for, mainly because Beijing seems to care more about imposing its own views than a true meeting of the minds.
55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting: Much Ado About Everything (or Nothing)?
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings last week occurred at a time when the region was seeing ructions, be it in the Taiwan Strait, Myanmar or the war in Ukraine. ASEAN can boast that it has retained its convening power, but this in itself might be insufficient.