The Philippines’ outdated legal framework is unable to meet the new concerns posed by the large scale entry of Chinese technologies. The country’s institutions need to be resilient from foreign influence while accommodating investments that can bolster its digital push.
Category Archives: Long Reads
Corruption Eradication in Indonesia: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
Public expectations for corruption eradication will never be met unless fundamental reforms are implemented within Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and other law enforcement agencies, including the National Police and the Attorney General’s Office. Also needed are curbs on the cosy relationships between politicians and big business.
Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) in Indonesia and Vietnam: Implications for Southeast Asia
JETP implementation in Vietnam and Indonesia faces challenges such as significant financing gaps, criticisms regarding the attractiveness of financing packages, difficulties in aligning donor and recipient countries’ expectations, the complex political-economic landscape of the coal industry, and concerns over the social impacts of energy transitions.
Engaging Southeast Asia: The EU’s role as a Resilient and Reliable Middle Power?
The European Union (EU) is consistently seen in Southeast Asia as the preferred and trusted “third party” in hedging against the uncertainties of US-China rivalry and in its reputation for “doing the right thing” in the wider interests of the global community. But it needs to recognise the practical limitations Southeast Asian countries have in complying with its regulations and can do more to support capacity building programmes in the region.
Policies to Increase the Inclusiveness, Resilience and Sustainability of Economic Growth in Cambodia
To realise its aspirations to become an upper middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050, Cambodia has to pursue inclusive growth that is also sustainable and resilient.
Bleak Future for Islamic Parties in Indonesia after the 2024 Election
This Long Read argues that the recently concluded 2024 Indonesian legislative election raises questions about the future of Islamic political parties. Their last strong showing was in the 1955 election, after which they have been experiencing a slow decline. They are now on the periphery of the country’s political arena.
The Impacts of Supply Chain Reconfiguration on ASEAN Economies
An examination of recent trade and FDI flows shows that ASEAN has been benefitting from the reconfiguration of global supply chains as a result of intensifying US-China strategic rivalry. But these gains could well be reversed if the US-China intensifies and leads to a sharp decoupling of global supply chains.
Assessing Prabowo-Gibran’s Victory: An Exit-Poll Aftermath Analysis of the 2024 Presidential Election
The victory of the Prabowo-Gibran team in Indonesia’s 2024 presidential elections was due to Jokowi’s high approval rating and support from young voters. The Bansos social assistance scheme also maintained support for Jokowi which in turn boosted support for Prabowo-Gibran indirectly.
Something Old, Something New: The Philippines’ Transparency Initiative in the South China Sea
The Marcos Jr administration’s measured transparency approach to Chinese grey zone activities in the South China Sea carries with it risks and challenges. It is not sufficient to protect and promote Philippines interests in the SCS. It needs to develop and articulate a clear maritime strategy for the security sector and the civilian bureaucracy.
The China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea: Has it Worked for China?
The China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) was established in May 2017 to discuss issues of mutual concern in the South China Sea and explore possible areas of cooperation. However, rising tensions in the SCS between China and the Philippines, compounded by the Taiwan issue, have hindered the BCM’s ability to fulfil its original objectives.