The logic of decentralisation is overlooked if one views provincial administration organisation (PAO) elections through the lenses of rivalries among national parties and the emphasis on ban yai.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Trump’s Aid Cuts Could Devastate Myanmar More Than Anyone Expects
The Trump Administration’s decision to terminate foreign aid has crippling effects on the humanitarian landscape in Myanmar.
After the Honeymoon, Where Will President Prabowo Take Indonesia? A Governance Perspective
How have Indonesia’s new president and his administration fared in its critical first 100 days?
Philippines Offshore Gambling Operators (POGOs): Off-putting
The high-profile case involving Alice Guo has uncovered a raft of issues related to offshore gambling operators in the Philippines.
Indonesia’s New National Mosque: Big Shoes to Fill
Indonesia’s national mosque in Jakarta has a storied past and stands as a beacon of tolerance and understanding. Can the new national mosque to be, still under construction in Nusantara, be an adequate replacement?
Chinese EVs in Southeast Asia: More Sustainable Approach Needed
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) firms have made inroads into the Southeast Asian market. But they cannot take their current position for granted.
Indonesia’s Free School Lunches: Not So Free
President Prabowo’s universal free school lunch programme is well-intentioned, but it would be more effective if done in coordination with other complementary programmes.
Rethinking Economic Planning in the Philippines
There are plans to transform the Philippines’ socioeconomic planning agency, NEDA, into a new Cabinet department. But this proposal fails to address its declining relevance and chronic inability to ensure the implementation of crucial development projects.
Navigating Trump 2.0 Tariffs: Keep Calm and Carry On
Southeast Asian countries are likely to be caught up in the crossfire between China and the US. But there could be a silver lining.
Growing Piety among Malaysian Youth Should be Taken with a Pinch of Salt
The ISEAS Youth Survey 2024 results show that religiosity in leaders is important to Malay/Muslim students but bread-and-butter issues may be more critical to them.