Budget cuts have not dented the top-performing governors’ popularity in Indonesia. What’s the secret to their success?
Category Archives: Commentaries
Amid the Geostrategic Uncertainties, Firms Need the Reassurance of Business Continuity
Businesses today especially value stability and deeper economic integration to mitigate risk, and are more worried about growing US economic influence, as reflected in private sector responses to the State of Southeast Asia 2026 Survey.
Sino-Japan Spat: Triple Dilemma Needs Trust-Building ASEAN Response
China has been trying to get Southeast Asian countries to take its side in Beijing’s spat with Japan. ASEAN needs to impress on China that it has a more nuanced view of Japan.
More Than a Legal Battle: The Political Stakes of the Petronas-Sarawak Dispute
Malaysia’s highest court will decide on the dispute between Petronas and the state of Sarawak. But a legal ruling will not obviate the need to manage the political consequences of the dispute.
US War Against Iran Gives Beijing Intelligence Dividend
The US-led war against Iran has given Chinese military planners an insight into the challenges that the US would face in a similar conflict in the Indo-Pacific.
Banker in the Hot Seat – Who is Vietnam’s New Prime Minister?
Vietnam’s new premier seems to have what counts, but the odds could go either way.
When US Leadership Loses Its Sheen
Across a broad range of indicators, the US’ broader standing in the region has weakened.
What the Trump-Takaichi Summit Revealed About the US-Japan Alliance
The US-Japan alliance remains secure, but insecurity is mounting in Asia about the firmness of the US’ commitment to the region.
A Harder Balance to Keep in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia has traditionally preferred not to take sides in the long-standing Sino-US rivalry. A fall in confidence in the US makes this a harder choice to make.
The Philippines Puts Its Budget on Blockchain: Will This Beat Corruption?
The Philippines has become the first government in the world to put its national budget on a blockchain. It offers a precedent for using the technology’s transparency and immutability to enforce fiscal accountability.