In Southeast Asia, mass participation at important cultural festivals amidst a pandemic has contributed to the tragic loss of life. The question is whether and how we can preserve such deeply cherished events without jeopardising precious lives.
Category Archives: Commentaries
When the Pandemic Spreads Another “Fever”: Regional Autonomy
Some Thai provinces are learning to adapt quickly to the Covid-19 pandemic. This might drive regional efforts for greater independence from Bangkok.
Sino-Myanmar Ties: “Pauk Phaw” Relationship or For China’s Benefit?
China and Myanmar are said to have a “pauk phaw” or fraternal relationship. Many people in Myanmar, however, are clear-eyed about the limits of the bond.
PLA Overflight near Malaysian Airspace: A Precarious Provocation
China’s deployment of People’s Liberation Army Air Force aircraft near Malaysia’s air space last month smacks of hypocrisy and creeping hegemony. Beijing may not be as benevolent as it wants smaller states to believe.
To Lockdown or Not? Indonesia’s Dilemma in Handling the Covid-19 Second Wave
The Jokowi government appears to be on the verge of imposing a hard lockdown to curb a second wave of Covid-19 infections. But this belies longstanding hesitancy to adopt drastic measures that could hurt the economy.
The Pandemic and Push Towards a Digital Economy: Greater Inequality?
The Covid-19 pandemic and the concurrent push towards a digital economy may worsen inequalities. But digitalisation in some parts of Southeast Asia may also increase inclusion, connectivity and incomes in areas where there is freer trade and movement of labour and capital.
Give It Another Shot, Uncle Sam
As it pertains to Washington’s relations with Southeast Asia, the Biden Administration is not faring much better than its predecessor. A low-hanging fruit would be the supply of Covid-19 vaccines.
Indonesia’s Covid-19 Surge: Contradictions and Criticism
Indonesia’s latest Covid-19 surge has piled pressure on the Widodo government, which is under pressure to reconsider some form of lockdown to rein in the spread of the coronavirus.
Southeast Asia and Food Price Inflation: Double Whammy
Across the world, climate change and Covid-19 disruptions have led to rising food prices in the past year. Southeast Asian countries, which have not been immune to such challenges, need to build resilience in their food security policies.
A Storm in a Teacup: The Politicisation of Hajj Cancellation in Indonesia
The run-up to hajj 2021 saw the opponents of the Jokowi government opportunistically exploiting the issue to undermine the government. This reflects poorly on the quality of political debate in Indonesia today.