COMMENTARIES

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.

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

25 Aug 2023

Biden Skips Jakarta: When (Not) Showing Up Speaks Volumes

William Choong|Sharon Seah

President Biden skipping the East Asia Summit in Jakarta bodes ill for both the optics of the decision and the implications on U.S. engagement in ASEAN, especially as China continues to expand influence and cultivate relations in the region.

ASEAN Diplomacy Indonesia U.S.

25 Aug 2023

Politicised Religion and Indonesia’s Youth: Time to Overhaul Identity Politics

Iim Halimatusa’diyah

Indonesian leaders have committed to refrain from politicising religion in the upcoming February 2024 elections, but political incentives and social forces continue to propagate identity politics, especially among the youth. More must be done to curb the politicisation of religion and educate the youth about its harmful consequences.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Religion

Protesters wave flags and hold placards in front of the Chinese Consulate in Makati, Metro Manila

24 Aug 2023

Troubled Waters Ahead for Philippine-Vietnam Strategic Partnership on the South China Sea

Phan Xuan Dung

Vietnam and the Philippines have formed a strategic partnership in the South China Sea. By reinforcing their respective claims to the area, however, they are vulnerable to a wedge strategy by third parties such as China.

Misinformation Philippine South China Sea Vietnam