Indonesia’s middle class can be a boon for democracy but a bane for the government. Its economic security and political participation are crucial to the country’s prosperity.
Category Archives: Commentaries
SG4 Group: PAS Bid to Consolidate Bargaining Power?
A new move by four PAS-controlled states to form a joint company is brilliant if seen from the lens of political consolidation.
Is Interfaith Environmentalism Possible in Indonesia?
Can His Holiness’ recent visit light the way for diverse religious communities to work with one another to resolve Indonesia’s pressing environmental challenges?
DAP’s Party Polls in Penang: Partial Peace or Personality Politics?
The Democratic Action Party’s recent election underscored that it struggles with reconciling personalities as well as different priorities between generations and its national leadership and local grassroots.
ASEAN and the UN: Strengthening Security Through Multilateralism
Amid growing geopolitical fragmentation, ASEAN and the United Nations can work together to shore up the multilateral system.
Lessons from a Young Female Preacher on Islamic Preaching in Rural Central Java
A rare female Muslim preacher who uses humour in her outreach to mixed audiences of rural adherents shows the richness and diversity of Islam as practised in Indonesia.
The People’s Vision for Regional Decarbonisation in Southeast Asia
How the region’s populations view decarbonisation as energy transition occurs can inform stronger leadership and better policymaking at the elite level.
Art and The Continuing Erosion of a Political Taboo: Sculpture and Activism in Indonesia’s National Gallery
Art has power to inspire activism and challenge political taboos. In Indonesia, a recent exhibition highlighted this dynamic.
Could Elections Provide a Way Out of Myanmar’s Political Crisis?
A small window into how the Myanmar people regard the viability of elections reveals plenty of mixed feelings about the country’s political future.
Vietnam’s New Helmsman: What to Expect from To Lam?
Vietnam has a younger, more energetic leader who appears to be covering all bases, domestic and international. What might the future hold for him and his country?