A recent ransomware attack on Indonesia’s public services revealed weaknesses that the country can ill afford to ignore if it wishes to fully participate in the digital century.
Category Archives: Commentaries
China’s Environmental Focus in South China Sea: Questionable Motivations
China has filed reports on environmental protection in the South China Sea to counter the Philippines’ claim of severe damage to the marine ecosystem at Scarborough Shoal and thwart Manila’s effort to file a legal case against China. But Beijing’s efforts provoke some serious questions about its motivations.
Peatlands and the Climate: This year’s COP29 must build on COP28
Carbon-rich peat ecosystems hold great potential to mitigate climate change, and help meet Southeast Asian national climate targets. The increased priority and action on peatlands must be continued from COP28 into this November’s COP29.
UK and the Indo-Pacific: Get Real about Progressive Realism
The UK might be scaling down its footprint into the Indo-Pacific. This is a bad idea.
Myanmar Junta’s Internet Controls Expose Citizens to More Cyber Threats
The Myanmar junta’s ban on Facebook and curbs on internet access have compelled citizens to use virtual private networks (VPNs), including free but potentially malicious VPNs. Banning VPNs has made things even worse for Myanmar’s citizens.
The Battle for Indonesia’s Environmental Future: Youth Movements Against Systemic Challenges
Environmental activism remains a cottage industry for the youth who champion Earth’s cause in Indonesia. Besides financial pull, they will need organisational evolution before any significant green movement can break the cosy ties between state and dirty business.
Thailand’s Defence Budget in 2024-2025: Appeasing the Military?
The Pheu Thai-led government has allowed defence expenditure to creep upwards despite fiscal pressures. This is a clever ploy to keep the country’s generals onside.
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.