Blog
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.
9 Killed in Attack in Indonesia’s Papua Province, Say Police
By Sebastian Strangio
The killings came amid protests over an Indonesian government plan to create new provinces in the eastern region.
Deadline Looms for Indonesia’s Harsh New Internet Content Restrictions
By Sebastian Strangio
The regulation grants the authorities the power to fine or block social media platforms that fail to comply with government content moderation orders.
Thai Activists Targeted With Pegasus Spyware, Claims Report
By Sebastian Strangio
The Citizen Lab, a cybersecurity group, claims that at least 30 prominent activists had their devices infected with the spyware between October 2020 and November 2021.
Imprisoned Vietnamese Journalist Garlanded by Press Freedom Group
By Sebastian Strangio
Pham Doan Trang is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence for conducting “propaganda against the State.”
Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi Testifies in Election Fraud Trial
By Kiko Rosario
A conviction could lead to her party being dissolved and unable to participate in a new election the military has promised will take place in 2023.
Australia, Indonesia Commit to Fight Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak
By Andi Jatmiko and Niniek Karmini
Foot-and-mouth disease is spreading rapidly across Indonesia for the first time in 32 years and there are concerns it could spread to Australia’s herds.
Myanmar Military Junta Expels United Kingdom Envoy
By Sebastian Strangio
The move follows London's decision to downgrade its diplomatic representation in the country.
Will the Marcos Government Uphold Media Freedom?
By Mong Palatino
Judging from the recent election campaign and the new president's first two weeks in office, the signs are not good.
The Fast-Track to Tackling Siem Reap’s Gridlock
By Ses Aronsakda
The rapid growth of tourism to the Angkor temple complex has put strains on the town’s transport capacity. Cycling infrastructure could offer a solution.
Vietnam’s Ecological Leninism
By David Hutt
The country's ruling Communist Party is committed to environmental action – but only under its own leadership.
What the Roe Reversal Means for Abortion Rights in Vietnam
By Le Dong Hai Nguyen
Given the country’s social conservatism and a shifting Overton window, it is more likely now than ever that the Vietnamese government will take a more restrictive stance on abortion.
Thailand’s Vanishing Regional Leadership
By Tita Sanglee
During the Cold War, the country played a central role in regional diplomacy, but in recent years its activism has waned.