A massive second wave of delta-variant infections has disrupted Indonesia’s economic growth trajectory. This complicates the government’s budget implementation and planning for 2022. While funds are sorely needed for social spending and economic programmes, fiscal prudence is critical to avoid any downgrading of Indonesia’s risk and debt ratings.
Category Archives: Long Reads
How Much Longer Can Thailand’s Prime Minister Rule Before Reaching the Eight-year Limit?
A dispute has emerged over when Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha’s premiership will reach the constitutional limit.
Why US Rivalry with China Will Endure: Implications for Southeast Asia
Despite the Biden government’s efforts to improve relations with Southeast Asia, considerable domestic constraints hinder Washington from joining multilateral economic groups or de-emphasising human rights concerns to compete more effectively with China in Southeast Asia.
Climate Change: Can We Fix The Future Through Franchising?
In Southeast Asia, little attention has been given to greening the franchise sector. Yet, it has potential to contribute significantly to regional efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Southeast Asian Responses to AUKUS: Arms Racing, Non-Proliferation and Regional Stability
AUKUS is a wake-up call to ASEAN that it needs to be more proactive on security issues and cannot take its centrality for granted.
Reform of Parliament: Lessons from 2020-2021
Despite its key role in Malaysia’s governance, Parliament has been in abeyance for much of 2020 and 2021. Reform of the law and practice of Parliament are necessary to give effect to the constitutional provisions on Parliament’s functions and to enhance Parliament’s institutional efficacy.
‘Global Britain’ and Southeast Asia: Progress and Prospects
Southeast Asia is crucial to the United Kingdom’s (UK) ‘tilt’ to the Indo-Pacific. It has achieved notable progress in strengthening its diplomatic, economic and security engagement with the region.
Thai PM Remains Vulnerable Without a Party of His Own
Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has narrowly escaped “political assassination” in the House of Representatives. This underscores the urgency of strengthen his political power base. Without doing so, the future of his premiership will remain at risk.
The Philippines and the South China Sea Arbitration Award: External Appeasement and Internal Dissension
Since taking office in 2016, Philippine President Duterte has downplayed the South China Sea Arbitration Award in the hope of gaining China’s infrastructure and financial offerings. This hope has so far remained unfulfilled.
The Quad and the Indo-Pacific: Going Slow to Go Further
In recent years, the Quad has gained momentum in response to growing Chinese assertiveness. But a lower key strategy is advised to allay regional concerns that ASEAN’s centrality will be undermined by a minilateral arrangement helmed by external powers.