The latest banning of a hardline Islamist grouping in Indonesia may see history repeat itself, reassuringly.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Returning to Al-Azhar During the Pandemic: A Risk Worth Taking?
Despite current challenges, Al-Azhar University – a popular destination for Singaporean students – remains as relevant as ever in churning out quality graduates in the Islamic sciences.
Hanoi’s Policy of Non-Alignment: Sui Generis
Like its ASEAN colleagues, Vietnam has sought not to choose sides in the ensuring rivalry between China and the United States. But its motivations are of an older and more enduring vintage.
Thai Provincial Politics Remain Local
The Progressive Movement stalled in provincial elections.
Indonesia’s Regional Elections: Jokowi’s About-Face on Oligarchy
Indonesia’s recent regional elections were generally successful. But they have also unmasked an interesting development – the pursuit of oligarchy by a president who was once dead set against it.
Southeast Asian Youth on Climate Change: A Force to be Harnessed for the Greater Good
Youths in Southeast Asia are active in climate change advocacy, but more can be done so that they are to be equipped to tackle an existential challenge.
Anti-Chinese Sentiment or Mere Labour Dispute?
A recent demonstration against a Chinese nickel company in Southeast Sulawesi could be a labour dispute – or something more.
State of Southeast Asia Survey 2021
Jokowi’s Opportune and Forward-Looking Cabinet Change
The end-of-year cabinet reshuffle sets the stage for the 2022 Jakarta gubernatorial election.
The Value(s) of Palm Oil
The EU-Southeast Asia palm oil dispute pits consumers’ environmental values against producers’ economic development and poverty alleviation ones.