A popular band’s retraction of a song critical of corruption in Indonesia highlights the chill in the political climate against outward dissent and activism.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Shaping Indonesia’s Democracy: Youth Alight Amidst #DarkIndonesia
Indonesia’s youth protests today call to mind past cases of student activism in the quarter century of post-reform democracy since the fall of Suharto. Will history repeat itself?
The Rules-based Order: In Dire Straits, But Not Dead
As the US steps away from the rules-based order it helped create, smaller countries need to step up to the plate to maintain it.
Thailand’s Unreliability as Broker Makes Peace Even More Elusive in Myanmar
Thailand’s efforts to mediate the peace in Myanmar are complicated by the kingdom’s extensive interests in the country.
Musk, Myanmar, and the Murky Future of Internet Freedom
Myanmar resistance groups depend on Starlink to circumvent government controls. But this can also be its Achilles heel.
Southeast Asia Should Take the Lead in Tackling the AI Climate Conundrum
Artificial intelligence can help resolve climate change problems, but only if the massive energy consumed by data centres comes from green sources.
Malaysia’s Evolving Monarchy: Adaptation and Expansion Amid Uncertainty
The monarchy in Malaysia has in recent years expanded its influence and agency. At the same time, expectations of the institution have also evolved.
Southeast Asia Countries Won’t Let War in Ukraine Affect Ties with Russia
President Donald Trump wants to force an end to the Russia-Ukraine war and improve relations with Russia. Many Southeast Asian countries will welcome an end to hostilities, an easing of US-Russia tensions and stronger relations with Moscow.
Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone: Transformative or Tempting?
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone has a compelling argument. But it may not be as transformative as it is touted to be.
Mending Fences: Vietnam and Cambodia’s Diplomatic Reset
The Ho Chi Minh City Summit signals a pragmatic reset in Vietnam-Cambodia relations, driven by economic interests rather than ideology. Successful cooperation would bring the added advantage of enhancing their collective bargaining power with external actors and strategic flexibility as the great power competition intensifies.