COMMENTARIES

15 Jun 2026

Prabowo’s Nickel State: Indonesia’s Search for Power

Kevin Zongzhe Li

Will the Prabowo administration's agenda of centralisation and state control over the nickel sector build lasting industrial capacity, or be even more extractive?

Indonesia Indonesian Economy

12 Jun 2026

How Southeast Asians Experience Chinese-Built Infrastructure

Eugene R.L. Tan|Hoang Thi Ha

This Long Read reports the findings of an online survey on perceptions of Chinese-built infrastructure in Southeast Asia. It reflects both the tangible benefits of these projects and broader considerations shaping regional views of China as an infrastructure development partner.

12 Jun 2026

Indonesia’s 100 GW Solar Ambition: Can Rural Cooperatives Bridge the Gap?

Elbinsar Purba

Indonesia’s plan to generate 100 GW of solar energy is laudable. However, there are serious concerns about implementation.

Indonesia Renewable Energy

11 Jun 2026

Sino-US Action Against Drugs Keeps Functional Cooperation High

Zha Daojiong

China and the US have been working together to combat illicit drug activities. This will have a significant impact on Southeast Asia.

China China-U.S. Relations US

11 Jun 2026

Light Footprint, Strong Signal: Rethinking US-Cambodian Cooperation

Pou Sothirak|A. Peyson Hunt

There is a window of opportunity for Cambodia to re-engage with the US. Bilateral military exercises constitute a good option.

Cambodia Defence US

10 Jun 2026

How Small States Can Survive Big Changes: Laos, Mekong and ASEAN in the Age of Might Makes Right

Anoulak Kittikhoun

“Might makes right” is back in form with major powers’ use of tariffs and military actions, leaving small states like Laos with fewer buffers and narrower margins for error than more capable middle powers. This Long Read explores options and imperatives for Laos as it navigates new geopolitical realities.

ASEAN China Laos Mekong River

The annual HSK Study in China Education and Career Expo in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in March 2026. The event connects local students with Chinese resources and career opportunities to strengthen Malaysia-China ties. (Photo from Center for Language Education and Cooperation / Facebook)

10 Jun 2026

China and the US: Who Will Better Understand Southeast Asia?

Zenobia Chan

The US appears to be losing to China in the race to understand Southeast Asia. The real test, however, centres on whether a country can sustain the institutions to study the region critically.

ASEAN-US Relations China-Southeast Asia relations Southeast Asia

10 Jun 2026

Indonesia’s Resource Nationalism Is Testing Its Relationship with China

Siwage Dharma Negara|Leo Suryadinata

The interests of Chinese investors and the Prabowo administration are increasingly misaligned.

China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia Indonesian Economy

9 Jun 2026

Unleashing Officials, Unlocking Funds: PM Le Minh Hung Confronts Vietnam’s Economic Challenges

Tuan Ho

Vietnam’s new prime minister needs to disburse idle public funds. His previous role helming the Communist Party’s personnel system should help him galvanise officials who prioritise an overly cautious approach over rapid progress.

Vietnam Vietnamese Economy Vietnamese Politics

9 Jun 2026

To Lam’s Regional Tour: From Hedger to Shaper

Nguyen Khac Giang

To Lam’s regional tour of Southeast Asia shows that Hanoi is shifting to a posture of shaping the rules of the game, rather than merely seeking to mitigate the risks of a fluid strategic environment.

ASEAN Security Vietnam Vietnamese Politics