The recent Indonesian Cabinet reshuffle has seen President Jokowi prioritise political consolidation of power ahead of the 2024 presidential elections.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Cyberbullying of Muslim Celebrities: The Pressure to Conform to ‘Modest’ Islam
Recent indications of increased cyberbullying of female Muslim celebrities by vigilante commentators suggest a need for governments and authorities to be more proactive in encouraging moderation in online forums. Failure to control such hostility could lead to serious repercussions on the affected individuals.
China’s Pragmatic Party Diplomacy in Southeast Asia
The Chinese Communist Party’s outreach to political parties in Southeast Asia, regardless of ideology, underscores the pragmatism in President Xi Jinping’s plan for regional influence.
Unpacking Cambodia’s 2022 Defence White Paper
Cambodia’s 2022 Defence White Paper reiterates longstanding priorities of border security, counterterrorism and domestic stability like its predecessors, but contains an unprecedented focus on cyber defence and ambitious modernisation goals.
The Metaverse and the Importance of Personal Data Protection in Southeast Asia
Before Southeast Asia embraces wholesale the advent of the ‘Metaverse’, it is a matter of urgency for the authorities to address the current shortfalls in the protection of their citizens’ personal data.
Having it Both Ways? Cambodia’s Superpower Balancing Act
The Cambodian People’s Party needs China, Cambodia’s top donor and investor, to sustain economic growth and reduce poverty to win the next election, which is vital to its legitimacy.
Hot and Bothered: Climate Challenges for ASEAN’s Tourism Reopening
Climate change will drastically affect ASEAN’s tourism industry if regional measures on climate adaptation are not taken to ameliorate its potential negative effects on key tourist sites.
Khilafatul Muslimin: Not a Serious Threat to Indonesia Yet
Khilafatul Muslimin, an Islamist organisation in Indonesia, has tried but failed to influence public opinion. But the government should keep it on a tight leash.
Southeast Asia Caught Between a Commodity Crisis and a Climate Crunch
Southeast Asian governments are facing inflationary and climate pressures simultaneously, against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war. To back down from earlier climate promises, tempted by urgent domestic needs, would be counter-productive and short-sighted.
Southeast Asia Should Confront Threat of Economic Espionage
China is known for using cyber weapons to pursue geostrategic goals. In recent years, entities linked to the Chinese state have carried out alleged economic espionage of commercial firms in Southeast Asia.