The government has launched an ambitious plan to improve the experience for Indonesian haj pilgrims. The question is whether worldly rewards might compromise the holiness and rightfulness of the mission.
Category Archives: Commentaries
The UEC Debate Reawakens Identity Discourse
The issue of recognition for the pre-university exam certificate issued by Chinese-language schools has renewed identity politics in Malaysia.
Indonesia in 2026: Prabowo’s First ‘Real’ Year of Ambition and Why We Should Care
On the policy front, what kind of year lies ahead for the Prabowo administration?
Seats Without Sway: Women in Indonesia’s Parliament
Women’s presence in Indonesia’s parliament still falls short of the 30 per cent quota. They are also underrepresented in parliamentary bodies handling strategic issues and in their leadership ranks.
Eliminating Extreme Poverty: Kerala’s Lessons for Developing ASEAN Countries
Kerala’s experience in fighting poverty holds some important lessons for ASEAN countries.
From Megatrends to Action: Rethinking Industrial Policy in Southeast Asia
A UNIDO report provides key insights into how forward-looking industrial policies can help countries go down a clean and just industrialisation pathway. Southeast Asia has a vital role here.
Implications of the Venezuela Case for Southeast Asia: Parallels and Limits
What can Southeast Asia learn from the US’ recent actions in Venezuela?
Takaichi and Taiwan: When Deterrence Looks Like Provocation
Chinese reactions to Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s comments about Japan’s involvement in a Taiwan contingency have an element of political theatre. Beijing is adopting a more sophisticated strategy of isolating Tokyo on the issue.
Beyond the Points: Vietnam’s Digital Citizen Score Is About Power
Vietnam’s digital citizen scoring proposal though based on incentives rather than punishment is a form of social engineering that paves the way for control by the security apparatus.
The Risk of Vietnam’s Local Leadership Carousel
Vietnam’s efforts to eradicate ‘localism’ have created side effects which might undermine proper governance.