Contrary to expectations that the Covid-19 pandemic would result in a surge in maritime crime in Southeast Asia due to worsening economic conditions, 2021 saw the frequency of piracy and sea robbery attacks decline to pre-pandemic levels. However, the Singapore Strait remains a black spot.
Category Archives: Long Reads
On the United States, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and US Freedom of Navigation Operations
The US has not become a party to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) despite the overwhelming support for US accession by all American government agencies, major interest groups. This has been a serious impediment to the US’ credibility in promoting and enforcing a rules-based maritime order.
Digital Transformation under Indonesia’s G20 Presidency: What can it Deliver?
Indonesia’s G20 presidency has committed to take action in the three priority areas of digital transformation, global health infrastructure and energy transition. But the war in Ukraine threatens to overshadow the agenda. The G20 may have to be satisfied with lowest common denominator agreements, though Indonesia clearly aspires for more.
The Nusantara Project: Prospects and Challenges
The relocation of the Indonesian capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan is perhaps the most ambitious government project in history. But detailed planning on how the project should be implemented should be undertaken urgently to ensure its sustainability and success.
The Paradox of Malaysia’s Lowering of Voting Age – Expanded Enfranchisement Devalued by More Unequal Representation
In Malaysia, the Barisan Nasional had long benefited from its dominance over the smaller rural constituencies, winning more seats even if they performed poorly in the larger, under-represented urban constituencies. CA2019 aggravates this phenomenon because the new young voters tend to be located in the urban areas.
The Shi’as and Freedom of Religion under Joko Widodo’s Presidency
This Long Read argues that under the current Joko Widodo presidency, the Shi’as have suffered less harassment and intimidation from the Sunni majority than under previous governments.
Weaponising Ho Chi Minh in Vietnamese Discourse on the War in Ukraine
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the Vietnamese government has appeared sympathetic to Moscow, unwilling to denounce its aggression. Facing criticism from some quarters of the public, Vietnam’s propaganda machine has used social media channels to justify the government’s position.
Assessing the Belt and Road Initiative in Southeast Asia amid the COVID-19 Pandemic (2021-2022)
Data analysis from an original dataset tracking major China-financed projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Southeast Asia since January 2021 shows that China remains committed to boosting BRI projects’ progress.
It Takes Two to Tango: Vietnam-US Relations in the New Context
Vietnam’s delicate balancing act between major powers suggests that it is unlikely to advance a relationship with one power at the expense of another. Instead, it will try to maintain an independent position and promote ties with all powers, where possible.
Analysing Public Opinion on Moving Indonesia’s Capital: Demographic and Attitudinal Trends
Public support for President Jokowi’s ambitious plan to move the Indonesian capital to East Kalimantan has waned. Urgent efforts are needed to address this slide to ensure successful implementation of the move.