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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.
The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway: Indonesia’s Lessons Learned
By Blake H. Berger
It’s critical that future infrastructure projects – including an extension of the Jakarta-Bandung HSR – avoid the pitfalls that plagued the project.
Jokowi to Press Biden on Israel-Hamas War During White House Meeting
By Sebastian Strangio
The Indonesian leader, who will meet Joe Biden on Monday, says that he will press the U.S. president to bring the Israeli attacks on Gaza to an end.
Head of Malaysian Youth Party Found Guilt of Corruption
By Sebastian Strangio
The conviction comes two months after Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman pulled his party out of the ruling coalition due to graft concerns.
Asia’s Island Nations Need Satellite Internet
By Sribala Subramanian
Is Elon Musk's Starlink the solution?
Indonesia’s Bharatayudha: The Unraveling Alliance Between Jokowi and the PDI-P
By Virdika Rizky Utama
The growing estrangement between the Indonesian president and the party that he represented at the past two presidential elections could shape the country's future political trajectory.
No Hedging for Malaysia in Israel-Hamas Conflict
By Collins Chong Yew Keat
Malaysia is a clear supporter of the Palestinian cause and is unlikely to bend over backwards for Western powers.
Former Indonesian Communications Minister Imprisoned for Accepting Bribes
By Sebastian Strangio
Johnny G. Plate is accused of taking nearly $1.2 million in kickbacks related to the construction of thousands of telecoms towers in remote parts of the archipelago.
The Dwindling Prospects For Russian and Chinese-Backed Infrastructure Projects in Myanmar
By Syah Vaghji
Growing political turbulence, especially in the northern part of Shan State, has drastically narrowed the chances of progress on a host of large-scale projects.
ISOC Once Again Puts Thailand’s Government Between the People and the Military
By Mark S. Cogan
Thai progressives have long called for the abolition of the military's notorious Internal Security Operations Command. But don't expect it to happen under the current government.
Malaysia Says It Won’t Recognize Unilateral Sanctions on Supporters of Hamas
By Sebastian Strangio
Anwar Ibrahim has again said that his government would resist any outside pressure to declare Hamas a terrorist organization.
Indonesian Chief Justice Dismissed for ‘Serious’ Ethics Violation
By Sebastian Strangio
Anwar Usman should have recused himself from a Constitutional Court ruling that allowed President Joko Widodo's son, his nephew by marriage, to run in next year's presidential election.
‘Destabilization’ and Disunity in the Philippine Government
By Mong Palatino
Turbulence in Congress and allegations of dissent among the military leadership have undermined President Marcos' "unity" administration.