A Chinese survey ship was reported to be operating in Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone in the North Natuna Sea last week. This is not new, but this time the survey ship was reportedly accompanied by at least six Chinese naval vessels. Jakarta should consider a firm response to Beijing.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Emerging Political Parties in Indonesia: Raising the Water Level of Policy Debate?
For years, Indonesia’s political landscape had little room for vigorous debate on policy issues, given the focus on individual personalities and even populism. This is beginning to change.
Increasing ASEAN’s Attractiveness for Global Investors
The race among ASEAN’s economies to attract higher levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) may be abusing the tax incentive card.
Myanmar and the United Nations: Fighting for a Seat at the Table
A China-US pact to retain the envoy at the United Nations appointed by the former National League for Democracy government has effectively deferred the decision as to who will represent the country at multilateral organisations like the UN.
Vietnam and Economic Reopening: Roadmap Needed
Vietnam has been wise to switch from a ‘zero Covid’ strategy to one of living with the coronavirus. But it needs a clear plan to maintain business activity as the economy reopens.
Indonesian Militants React to Taliban Takeover
The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan has been welcomed in Indonesia’s militant Islamist circles and even among some mainstream figures.
Reform of the Thai Police: An Impossible Dream?
A recent police scandal has again sparked calls for reform of the Thai police force. There have been numerous attempts in the past, but the key problem is the entrenched relationship between powerful politicians and senior police officers.
Malaysia’s #Kitajagakita Invigorates Political Activism and Tackles Apathy
A new political movement driven by the grassroots is gaining momentum in Malaysia. Centred on the hashtag #kitajagakita, it embodies ordinary citizens’ responses to crises without political interference and red tape.
Ideology Versus Pragmatism: Vietnam’s Statecraft towards China and America
China is seeking to drive a wedge between Hanoi and Washington, even as Vietnam-US relations continue to flourish. Hence, Vietnam’s striking a balance between its ideological cohesiveness with China and pragmatic ties with the US is being put to the test.
Deepening US-Vietnam Ties: Less Geopolitics, More Human Security
Discussions about the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and the United States typically centre on the geopolitical aspects. A more meaningful way of developing the relationship is actually in the field of human security.