Region
Southeast Asia
Why Indonesia’s Waskita Karya Can’t Pay Its Debts
By James Guild
The state-owned construction firm has crumbled under a heavy load of bond obligations, but the risk of economic contagion is low.
Domestic Workers in Indonesia Call for Passage of Long-delayed Protection Bill
By Sebastian Strangio
The Domestic Worker Protection Bill was first proposed in 2004, but has been stuck in legislative limbo ever since.
Can an Upgraded US Partnership Help Vietnam Escape China’s Orbit?
By Khang Vu
Recent history shows the dangers in seeking to escape the gravitational pull of its northern neighbor.
Indonesian Protesters Begin Hunger Strike as Bill to Protect Domestic Workers Stalls in Parliament
By Niniek Karmini
Lawmakers first proposed a bill to protect domestic workers in 2004 to address issues of discrimination, abuse, and humiliation. Since then, it has been updated but always eventually set aside.
Singapore Says It Will Hold Presidential Election on September 1
By Sebastian Strangio
But it remains to be seen how many candidates can meet the city-state's stringent eligibility criteria.
China’s FM Wang Pledges Support for New Cambodian Leadership
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite the changes in Phnom Penh, Cambodia-China relations are likely to maintain their current upward trajectory.
Relief for Malaysian PM Anwar, as Opposition Fails to Alter Status Quo in State Elections
By Eileen Ng
In Saturday's six state elections, Anwar's government and the Malay nationalist opposition each retained control of three states.
Why the Army Matters in the Indo-Pacific
By John C. McManus
If World War II teaches us anything, it is that navies, armies, and air forces are intertwined, but that ultimate victory depends on the control of key ground.
Malaysia’s State Elections Are Not a Litmus Test for PM Anwar’s Unity Government
By Rahul Mishra
Less than a year since the last general election, the country's political parties are gearing up for another round of electoral battle across six states.
Malaysia Threatens Prison for Possession of LGBTQ-Themed Swatch Watches
By Sebastian Strangio
The ban comes in the midst of a conservative culture war that has targeted the country's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.
Cambodia Unveils Youthful New Cabinet Ahead of Power Transition
By Sebastian Strangio
As expected, the line-up of ministers, who will be sworn in along with Prime Minister Hun Manet on August 22, includes many close relations of high-ranking CPP officials.
How Will China’s Relations With Cambodia Fare Under PM Hun Manet?
By Chhengpor Aun
Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Cambodia this weekend in order to secure the support of the country’s more youthful leadership.