Commentaries | FULCRUM

Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Election: How Political Personas and Policy Platforms Influenced Swing Voters

In Indonesia’s presidential election in February, candidates’ failure to distinguish themselves in persona and policies hurt their campaigns.

Nguyen Phu Trong and Vietnam: The Loss of Ideological Cover

The passing of Nguyen Phu Trong leaves Vietnam short of ideological cover to pursue the country’s policies.

Sarawak’s Green Hydrogen Ambitions: What It Means for Southeast Asia

As the frontrunner for green hydrogen projects in Southeast Asia, Sarawak’s success or failure in the next two years will serve as a bellwether for Malaysia’s hydrogen economy goals, ASEAN’s hydrogen future and global clean hydrogen demand.

ASEAN’s Unity Under the Microscope

Laos, the current chair of ASEAN, has found that it has to grapple with increasingly contentious geopolitical issues.

Tackling the Threat of Salafism Within: Muhammadiyah Leaders Need to Be Bolder

Allowing Salafi elements to join Muhammadiyah has proven a double-edged sword for Indonesia’s second-largest mass Muslim organisation.

Myanmar’s Economy Deeper in the Mire

The State Administration Council’s coercive and controlling approach to the economy does not bode well for Myanmar’s mid- to long-term prospects.

Time to Rebalance the Wheels in Thailand’s Green Automotive Policy

Chinese EV makers are thriving in Thailand due to the country’s tariffs and incentives, but industry incumbents are struggling. Its automotive policy should reconsider how it incentivises consumer choice while fostering industrial transformation.

Nguyen Phu Trong’s Foreign Policy Legacy: Shaping Vietnam’s Great Power Balance

Nguyen Phu Trong’s strategic nous in shaping Hanoi’s relations with the great powers is his foremost foreign policy legacy.

Indonesia’s Largest Muslim Organisation Mired in Controversy After Youth Cadres’ Visit to Israel

Whether they were made use of or knew what they were doing, the actions of five young Nadhlatul Ulama members during their recent trip to Israel have stirred up a hornet’s nest.