COMMENTARIES

6 Sep 2023

Barisan Nasional and FELDA: A Depleted “Fixed Deposit”

Kevin Zhang

FELDA seats used to be a veritable vote bank for Barisan Nasional. This is no longer the case.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections

5 Sep 2023

Can the European Green Deal be a Good Deal for ASEAN?

Chris Humphrey

Chris Humphrey examines the challenges and benefits of the European Green Deal for ASEAN’s sustainable future.

A series of activities to promote traditional Chinese culture were held at the Confucius Temple in Qufu during the World Internet Conference Nishan Dialogue on Digital Civilization.

4 Sep 2023

Reflections on China’s Latest Global Civilisation Agenda

Chang-Yau Hoon|Ying-kit Chan

China’s Global Civilisation Initiative claims to promote inclusivity and cultural diversity. A litmus test of its credibility would be how China has and will deal with variations of cultures and identities that exist within and outside the country.

China China-Southeast Asia relations

31 Aug 2023

Meatball Soup on Instagram: (Not) Making a Mountain Out of a Molehill

Wahyudi Akmaliah|A'an Suryana

A proverbial storm has erupted in Indonesia over a foodie influencer enjoying a humble bowl of meatball soup with non-halal crackers. Calmer heads should have prevailed.

Indonesia Religion Religious Intolerance

30 Aug 2023

Elites vs Citizens: How Singapore and Indonesia are Divided on China

Melinda Martinus

Surveys show that the elite’s opinion toward China diverges with those of citizens in Singapore and Indonesia. Elites tend to weigh long-term geopolitical strategies and have more access to information, but increased citizen engagement will enhance foreign policy.

China China-Indonesia Relations China-Singapore Relations Singapore

Indonesian workers march during the International Workers’ Day near the National Monument in Jakarta, Indonesia

30 Aug 2023

Polarisations in Indonesia: Distinguishing the Real from the Rhetorical

Max Lane

This Long Read argues that the polarisation perceived in Indonesian mainstream politics is more rhetorical than real. They mainly reflect opportunistic tactical calculations and obscure the real polarisations in Indonesia’s political landscape.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

29 Aug 2023

Anwar’s Tried and Failed Strategy to Woo Malay Voters

Azmil Tayeb

Anwar’s gambit to out-Islamise his Islamist political opponents has failed to gain traction. He should stop offering a “lite” version of his opponents’ Islamist agenda and tout a more progressive and inclusive narrative.

Identity Politics Malaysia Malaysian Politics

Protesters point their torches to the sky to protest Pheu Thai Party’s decision to form a new government

29 Aug 2023

Pheu Thai’s New Coalition Betrays the Faith of Voters

Michael J. Montesano

In choosing to align itself with military-backed parties, the Pheu Thai Party has betrayed the faith of voters who believed that democratic principles would best ensure Thailand’s future.

Thai Politics Thailand

28 Aug 2023

Why Hanoi May Agree to a Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Le Hong Hiep

If Hanoi agrees to a comprehensive strategic partnership with the U.S., it would represent a remarkable breakthrough in bilateral ties. Still, such a partnership would not represent a significant shift in Hanoi’s foreign policy.

U.S. U.S.-ASEAN Relations Vietnam

28 Aug 2023

Are Indonesian Banks Resilient Amidst Rising Interest Rates?

Manggi Habir|Siwage Dharma Negara

Indonesia’s banking sector is likely to withstand higher interest rates given certain fundamentals that will insulate it from the volatility seen elsewhere.

Indonesia Indonesian Economy