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ASEAN Beat
‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community.’ That’s the ASEAN motto. But what’s the reality? Our bloggers based around this diverse and strategically key region give you an insider’s perspective on politics, security and society in South-east Asia.
Defund Indonesia’s Deadly Peat Fires
By Refki Saputra
Massive financial flows from abroad have directly fueled the vast scale of peatland conversion and resulting fires in Indonesia.
To Lam Signals No Honeymoon for Vietnamese Journalists and Dissidents
By Luke Hunt
Nguyen Vu Binh was jailed for seven years over a YouTube post, a simple signal that more of the same is to come under Lam’s tenure.
East Timorese Flock to Pope Francis’ Mass at Site of John Paul II’s Visit
By Niniek Karmini and Nicole Winfield
Local officials say that 300,000 people, more than a fifth of the country's population, had registered to attend the Mass.
Myanmar Armed Group Seizes Naval Training Center in Rakhine State
By Sebastian Strangio
The Maung Shwe Lay Navy Base is the first major Myanmar Navy facility to fall to resistance forces.
Philippine President Promises ‘No Special Treatment’ for Celebrity Preacher
By Sebastian Strangio
Apollo Quiboloy, who is accused of a raft of charges including child sexual abuse, will face charges in the Philippines before extradition to the United States.
Cambodia’s Autocratic Regime Really Doesn’t Want You Criticizing It Overseas
By David Hutt
In its attempt to woo Western governments, Prime Minister Hun Manet's government has sought to choke off critical commentary among overseas Cambodians.
Activists Criticize High Cost of Pope Francis’ Visit to Timor-Leste, One of the Poorest Nations
By Niniek Karmini
With 42 percent of Timor-Leste’s population living below the poverty line, some question the $12 million price tag of the papal visit.
Indonesia’s Shifting Views on Marriage and Babies
By I Dewa Gede Karma Wisana and Diahhadi Setyonaluri
Delayed marriages coupled with the growing aspiration of young people choosing to remain childfree may have a substantial impact on Indonesia's fertility rate.
After Swearing-in, Thailand’s New Government Announces Policy Focus
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra says she will focus on reviving the economy, but this depends on surviving in office long enough to implement her policies.
Fugitive Philippine Pastor Surrenders to Police After Long Manhunt
By Sebastian Strangio
Apollo Quiboloy, a self-proclaimed "son of God," is wanted for sex trafficking and child abuse in both the Philippines and the United States.
Time is Running Out For Victims of Thailand’s Tak Bai Massacre
By Christian Wells
A Thai court has accepted a case against officials for their role in the 2004 massacre in the country's Deep South – but justice is far from assured.
Indonesia Deports Fugitive Philippine Mayor Accused of Involvement in Cyberscams
By Sebastian Strangio
The extradition brings an end to a months-long manhunt for Alice Guo, the primary subject of a Senate investigation into online gaming and scam operations.