A plan to expand the Indonesian Army’s domestic reach suggests the potential reassertion of “dual function” under its new president. That this is aimed at rolling out free meals — for now — is insufficient consolation to those who fear the return of the military into Indonesia’s politics.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Southeast Asia’s Frustration with the State of Climate Finance
Southeast Asian countries are justifiably frustrated with the state of climate finance. They should consider seeking alternative sources to fund climate mitigation and adaptation.
The Controversy of Indonesia’s Gus Miftah: A Public Backlash
The swift fall from grace of an unconventional Islamic preacher in Indonesia holds object lessons for the rich and famous, in the world’s most populous Muslim country.
Conditional Support for Palestinian ‘Refugees’ in Malaysia
Support for Palestinians being housed in Malaysia has fallen, as Malaysians equate the Palestinians with bringing the same socio-economic ills associated with the Rohingyas.
Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship: Facing Treacherous Geopolitical Headwinds
The geopolitical tensions engulfing the world will make the year ahead for ASEAN — and Malaysia as Chair — a challenging one.
Myanmar’s Silent Disease: How Everyday Bribery Fuels Autocratic Control
Entrenched corruption has infected the body politic of Myanmar under the military regime, especially since the February 2021 coup. Even regime change may not cure this cancer.
Expanding Southeast Asia-Kazakhstan Dialogue: Strategic Imperatives
There are strategic imperatives for ASEAN to engage more deeply with Kazakhstan, Central Asia’s biggest country. There are, however, challenges to be overcome.
Najib Razak’s ‘House Arrest’: Royal Addendum Raises Riveting Questions for Malaysia
On the power of pardon, there is a wide gap between what Malaysia’s Constitution provides and what the courts interpret the law to be.
Mainland Chinese Muslims in Malaysia: Cultural Diversity within a Specific Islamic Framework
Muslim influence from China is rising in Malaysia, but it can only operate within limits proscribed by Malay Muslims who prefer the status quo.
After Langkasuka Project Failure, Sanusi Takes Another Punt at Penang
Kedah’s Chief Minister Sanusi Nor has sought to blame his state’s current financial woes on historical wrongs that need to be righted. But he has other motivations too.