Indonesia’s 2025 budget is a negotiated outcome accommodating both Joko Widodo’s legacy and some of Prabowo Subianto’s priority programmes. While the formation of this “transition” budget was driven by the Jokowi administration, the new administration may still revise the budget in accordance with Prabowo’s policy priorities.
Category Archives: Long Reads
Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Election: How Personas and Policy Platforms Influenced Swing Voters
A nationwide poll conducted during the 2024 Indonesian presidential election campaign period shows that swing voters shifted their voting preferences as the election campaigning proceeded, due to their changing perceptions of candidates’ personalities and policy platforms.
Securing the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor: Navigating Conflicts and Public Scepticism
The persistent conflict in Myanmar does not seem to have deterred China’s determination to realise its CMEC priorities. Despite significant military setbacks for the Myanmar military, China continues to urge the SAC to accelerate the implementation of key China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) projects.
Fortifying the Ballot: Addressing Disinformation and Electoral Integrity in Malaysia
Malaysia’s democratic foundations face critical challenges in the digital age, with racially charged polarisation and the proliferation of disinformation during election campaigns posing significant threats to electoral integrity. This Long Read proposes policy recommendations, including establishing an independent fact-checking body, investing in AI-powered fact-checking tools, developing country-specific AI governance guidelines, and introducing comprehensive media and information literacy education.
The Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement: Complementing and Cementing the Hub-and-Spokes System
Signed in July 2024, the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between Japan and the Philippines facilitates regular exchanges and activities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Japanese Self-Defence Forces (JSDF). This should be seen as an act of strategic autonomy on the part of both countries to address shared security interests in the maritime domain.
Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s Visit to Moscow: Laying the Groundwork for Enhanced Ties with Russia
Defence Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Russia on 31 July 2024 was a signal that his administration intends to pursue a balanced foreign policy vis-à-vis the major powers, and one that envisages a bigger role for Russia.
The Battle for Sabah: Key Players, Critical Issues and Potential Scenarios
Sabah’s political landscape is notably fluid and polarised, characterised by frequent changes in government and deep divisions along territorial, ethnic, party, and personality lines. Critical issues for the upcoming state election (to be held by December 2025) include economic development disparities, infrastructure challenges, and the contentious Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) debate.
Evaluating Indonesian Muslims’ Engagement with China
In the past decade, China has extensively engaged with Muslim communities in Indonesia, primarily through collaborative efforts with major Islamic organizations. This Long Read examines the motivations of Indonesia’s Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah in their engagements with China, arguing that they align with their respective goals of promoting Archipelagic Islam and Progressive Islam globally.
The Vital Role of Nutrition in Climate Resilience and Food Security in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is well-known for its culinary diversity and delights, but while its population’s food security and nutrition have improved over the decades, it is still a region that has relatively high malnutrition – in the form of both under- and over-nutrition.
Russian President Putin’s Visit to Hanoi: Vietnam’s ‘Bamboo Diplomacy’ In Action
President Putin’s visit to Vietnam was a qualified success for both countries. The Putin regime was able to show that despite Western efforts to isolate it, Russia is not without friends. By hosting the Russian leader, Vietnam was able to honour an old friend and highlight the merits of its bamboo diplomacy.