Region
Southeast Asia
Without Money For A Funeral, an Indonesian Father Buried His Stillborn Baby in a Freezer Box
By Aisyah Llewellyn
The viral news story provided a stark illustration of the gap between the rhetoric of Indonesian politicians and the realities faced by many ordinary people.
Thailand’s Prime Ministerial Vote Set for July 13
By Sebastian Strangio
Nearly two months on from the general election in May, it is still unclear whether the victorious Move Forward Party will be able to form the country's next government.
Netherlands Announces Return of Cultural Objects to Indonesia
By Sebastian Strangio
The repatriation will include the “Lombok treasure,” a collection of 335 gold and silver items plundered by Dutch troops from the Indonesian island in 1894.
Malaysia Madani and the Muslim World: Anwar Ibrahim’s Soft Power Strategy
By Syed Huzaifah Bin Othman Alkaff and Muhammad Haziq Bin Jani
The current administration is well placed to use religious soft power to drive foreign investments and interest in the Malaysian economy.
Why Vietnam’s Naval Bases Do Not Change the Dynamic of Vietnam-China Relations
By Khang Vu
While allowing foreign navies to call at its ports supports Vietnam's omnidirectional foreign policy, its relationship with China remains the most important variable.
Philippines’ New Tourism Ad Draws Flak
By Mong Palatino
The advertisement, a showcase of the country's new "Love the Philippines" slogan, contained stock photos from other countries.
North Kalay Police Chief Han Thar Oo on Policing Under Myanmar’s National Unity Government
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
“Myanmar is suffering. We appeal to the world not to forget us.”
Why Aren’t Thailand’s Banks More Profitable?
By James Guild
Compared to their counterparts in Indonesia and the Philippines, the country's financial institutions have seen only modest growth.
Malaysia Sets Important State Polls for August 12
By Sebastian Strangio
The six state polls, especially those in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, shape as a crucial political test for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Harapan coalition.
We Know Microfinance Harms Cambodia’s Poor. What Can Be Done About It?
By David Hutt
Much ink has been spilled identifying the many problems with the sector, but much less so about possible ways forward.
Cambodia Bars Members of Meta’s Oversight Board From Entering the Country
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement followed Meta's decision to suspend Prime Minister Hun Sen's Facebook account for breaches of its policies on violence and incitement.
George Black on the Toxic Afterlife of the US War in Vietnam
By Sebastian Strangio
The veteran writer talks about the "small group of thoughtful, committed citizens” that helped publicize the horrific legacies of the war – and foster reconciliation between two former enemies.