COMMENTARIES

2 Dec 2025

Indonesia’s Problematic Criminal Procedure Code Revision

Made Supriatma

Indonesia’s new Criminal Procedure Code might make it harder for justice to be done.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics

2 Dec 2025

The Human and Environmental Costs of Critical Mineral Mining

Prapimphan Chiengkul

With critical minerals mining activity expected to expand in Southeast Asia, ASEAN countries must collectively tackle the resulting transboundary pollution and impose stricter socio-environmental regulation of the sector.

1 Dec 2025

ASEAN’s Regional Ambitions for the Semiconductor Industry

George Tan|Maria Monica Wihardja

A new non-binding framework for relevant ASEAN member states to ramp up their semiconductor industries and supply chains has the potential to provide some relief against a darkening geopolitical outlook.

ASEAN Economic Integration Technology Trade

28 Nov 2025

Competition among Thailand’s Three Largest Parties Deepens the Country’s Political Uncertainties

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

People’s Party, Pheu Thai, and Bhumjaithai, Thailand’s three largest parties, have been intensifying their competition in preparation for an early general election. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Bhumjaithai Party have the best chance of winning political advantage and gaining more popularity.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

27 Nov 2025

Pax Americana Is Over: What Comes Next and How Will It Impact Southeast Asia?

Ryan Hass

The world is transitioning out of a U.S.-led international order, but there is not yet clarity on the attributes of the next international order that will take its place. This Long Read argues that the period of transition could be turbulent, but it need not be destructive to the upward growth prospects of Southeast Asia.

ASEAN-US Relations China US

26 Nov 2025

How China Outmanoeuvres the West in Myanmar

Jared Bissinger

The West’s incoherent strategy is no match for a ruthless, integrated Chinese approach that leverages economic links to its advantage.

China-Myanmar Relations Myanmar

25 Nov 2025

The Domestic Calculations of To Lam’s Foreign Policy

Nguyen Khac Giang

Domestic factors seem to impel Vietnam’s top politician as he jetsets around the world, ahead of an all-important Party congress.

Vietnam

25 Nov 2025

Bersatu’s Muhyiddin Yassin: Why the Rush to Say ‘Good-bye’?

Francis E. Hutchinson

Recent machinations within some factions of Bersatu against its leader are of interest to its lower-profile coalition partner as the next general election approaches. How fast will the tide turn?

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

24 Nov 2025

Why Community Mining Is No Panacea for Illegal Mining

Mirza Fanzikri

Indonesia’s push to turn illegal mines into community ventures risks simply recycling old abuses and stalling genuine prosperity for local communities as long as oversight remains weak.

Indonesia Indonesian Economy Indonesian Politics

24 Nov 2025

PAS’ ‘Civilisational Outrage’ at the US Rings Hollow When China Gets a Pass

Syaza Shukri

Malaysia’s Parti Se-Islam Malaysia (PAS) doth protest too much about the prime minister’s engagement of the US, when its own dealings with China raise similar questions.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics US