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.
Bali Welcomes Chinese Flight After Long COVID-19 Hiatus
By Sebastian Strangio
Indonesian authorities are hoping that the return of Chinese visitors will mark the beginning of the end for the island's long COVID-19 slump.
The Continuing Threat of Self-Radicalization in Singapore
By Mohamed Bin Ali
The internet and social media have created a host of novel internal challenges for the city-state's authorities.
Indonesia’s Jokowi Registers All-Time High Approval Rating
By Sebastian Strangio
With just a year until the end of his second and final term in office, Joko Widodo is more popular than ever.
Myanmar Junta Should Hand Power to ‘Qualified’ Leaders: Indonesian Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
Indonesia's experience of democratization could offer a path forward for Myanmar – but only if the country's generals have the political will.
UNHCR Reports Sharp Spike in Dangerous Rohingya Boat Voyages
By Sebastian Strangio
More than 3,500 people attempted to flee Myanmar and Bangladesh by sea last year, nearly five times more than in 2021.
Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship: Promoting ASEAN Relevance in 2023?
By Laura Southgate
The country takes up the bloc's rotating chairmanship at a time when its centrality and efficacy are being called into question.
Vietnam’s Legislature Accepts President’s Resignation, Names Interim Replacement
By Sebastian Strangio
The National Assembly will reportedly choose Nguyen Xuan Phuc's permanent replacement at its next meeting in May.
Philippine Court Clears Nobel Winner Maria Ressa of Tax Evasion
By Sebastian Strangio
The four charges were filed against Ressa and her news site Rappler by President Rodrigo Duterte's administration in 2018.
Daughter of Former Thai PM Thaksin Says She Will Seek Premiership
By Sebastian Strangio
If elected, she would become the third Shinawatra to lead Thailand after her father and aunt – both of whom were removed by military coups.
Thailand’s Space Age in the Making
By Tita Sanglee
The country is committing significant amounts of resources toward becoming the space hub of Southeast Asia. Is it worth it?
Could Vietnam’s President Be the Next Senior Official to Fall?
By Sebastian Strangio
The country's National Assembly will reportedly hold a meeting tomorrow that could result in the removal of more high-level officials.
Chinese and Indonesian Workers Clash at Indonesian Nickel Plant
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama
The violence, which resulted in the deaths of two workers, is likely to inflame anti-Chinese sentiment in the country.