COMMENTARIES

19 Dec 2022

Criminalising Sin? Indonesian Society Not As Conservative As Elites Imagine

Norshahril Saat

Those who worry that the recent criminal code revision in Indonesia might portend a conservative Islamic tide may take heart in some survey findings showing a more tolerant, moderate, and multicultural citizenry.

Indonesia Islam

19 Dec 2022

The Cianjur Earthquake Reveals the Inadequacy of Disaster Resilience in Indonesia

Yanuar Nugroho

The aftermath of the Cianjur earthquake which claimed more than 330 lives calls for Jakarta to seriously review its disaster reduction and prevention efforts. Much more needs to be done to reduce future losses.

Environment Indonesia

16 Dec 2022

Locating Strategic Imperatives in ASEAN-EU Relations 45 Years On

Joanne Lin|Sharon Seah

The ASEAN-EU Summit in Brussels highlighted potential areas for closer cooperation between the two regional blocs, provided leaders can surmount strategic and other differences at this tricky juncture in world politics.

ASEAN E.U. EU-ASEAN Relations

14 Dec 2022

Indonesia’s Foreign Policy and New Capital Plans

Deasy Simandjuntak

Dr Deasy Simandjuntak discusses with Fulcrum editor Julia Lau her analysis of Indonesia's foreign policy goals and direction post-G20 in 2022 and in advance of its ASEAN chairmanship in 2023. Other topics they talk about are Indonesia's regional leadership, the planned new capital of Indonesia, and Dr Simandjuntak's future research projects.

Dialogues at Fulcrum Indonesia Indonesia Foreign Policy

13 Dec 2022

Fact-checking in the Philippines: The Quest to End Disinformation in Elections

Ma. Diosa Labiste

The 2022 presidential election in the Philippines saw fact-checkers fighting an uphill battle against widespread efforts to misinform and disinform Filipino voters, but some key lessons were learned.

Online Misinformation Philippine Philippine Elections Philippine Politics

12 Dec 2022

The Struggle for International Recognition: Myanmar after the 2021 Coup

Joanne Lin|Moe Thuzar

The military coup in Myanmar on 1 February 2021 created huge diplomatic repercussions, throwing into uncertainty the country’s international position and representation. Although the National Unity Government (NUG) appears to be the more popular choice for the international community, the prospects for its formal recognition remain uncertain.

Myanmar Myanmar Elections Myanmar Military Myanmar Politics

9 Dec 2022

Digital Disinformation and Anti-Chinese Resentment in the Philippines

Jason Vincent A. Cabañes|Fernando A. Santiago, Jr.

In the Philippines, digital disinformation campaigns have become central to electoral politics. Unfortunately, their use of vitriolic and socially divisive techniques has become increasingly normalised in the country’s politics, as these techniques are put into play even between national voting seasons.

China-Philippine Relations Online Misinformation Philippine Politics

junta’s Armed Forces Day parade in Naypyidaw

8 Dec 2022

Can Hanoi Afford the Reputational Costs of Friendship with Myanmar’s Military Regime?

Bich Tran

While Vietnam has not criticised Myanmar’s ruling regime about its violence against the Myanmar people and the Rohingya, Hanoi should recognise that its staunch support and use of non-interference as a fig leaf could undermine Vietnam’s own quest to become more significant regionally and internationally.

Human Rights Myanmar Vietnam

6 Dec 2022

A Peaceful Election at Muhammadiyah’s 48^th Congress Can Be an Example for Indonesia

Ahmad Najib Burhani

Muhammadiyah’s smooth running of its recent leadership election shows that democratic choice can be exercised by letting candidates’ reputations speak for themselves.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics