KPK’s arrest of a prominent minister is promising for KPK but not for the accommodation between President Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Southeast Asia in 2055: Greater Collective Responsibility?
Thinking 35 years ahead, Southeast Asia could see two scenarios: one where it has continued to depend on extra-regional powers but China has demonstrated greater staying power; and the other where the region takes greater responsibility for its own security.
ASEAN’s Productive Year
ASEAN has faced growing strategic rivalry in the Indo-Pacific, as well as unprecedented health and economic crises this year. While it might have struggled to retain its ability to bring the region together, Vietnam’s artful chairmanship has ensured that ASEAN has, for now, retained its ability to effectively channel regional cooperation.
Yankee Come Back – But We Will Cope, With or Without You
America is in a weaker position in Southeast Asia now than four years ago and regional states are adjusting to this reality.
Duterte the (Economic) Liberal
The fact that Philippine strongman Rodrigo Duterte remains popular at home befuddles some observers. One can glean some clues to this if one examines the president’s economic record.
The MUI 2020 Congress: Path Towards Moderation?
The new leadership of MUI (Ulama Council of Indonesia) likely will be less politically involved and possibly more moderate.
The Postponed By-Election in Sabah: Another Fight, By and By
The postponement of a by-election in Sabah underscores the tenuous hold on power by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s Perikatan Nasional coalition.
New Fences on the China-Myanmar Border: Separation or Containment?
China has reportedly started erecting fences along its border with Myanmar. The move could be seen as a Chinese attempt to manage the Covid-19 pandemic in Myanmar, but some observers have alluded other motives to Beijing.
Vietnam – US Relations Under the Biden Administration
Vietnamese should not pine over President Trump’s loss and fret over Joe Biden’s victory too much.
Malaysia’s 2021 Budget Passed: Muhyiddin Lives to Fight Another Day
Despite opposition from within and without, the Perikatan Nasional coalition has passed Malaysia’s 2021 Budget on the second reading. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, however, will still face considerable turbulence going forward.