Jakarta Tiptoes Around Issue of Gas-Rich Islets
RANAI, INDONESIA – The word “sleepy” could have been invented for Ranai, the largest town in Indonesia’s remote and sparsely populated Natuna archipelago.
Made-in-Indonesia Fixation Poses Risks to Widodo Revamp
Indonesian officials are obsessed with a 1950s economic policy that did South America little good.
Indonesia Seen Beating Thailand in Auto Sales Chart of the Day
Indonesia is poised to overtake Thailand as Southeast Asia’s biggest car market for the first time since 2011 as the region’s most-populous nation delivers faster economic growth and greater political stability.
Indonesia’s President Satisfied On Leaving Office
Indonesia's outgoing President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Tuesday (Aug 26) he leaves office with a sense of satisfaction after strengthening democracy and the economy during a decade in power.
Indonesia’s Future Elections: Will Social Media Forecasts Determine Outcome?
Synopsis
Social media forecasts achieved highly accurate results in the 2014 Indonesian presidential elections. Will predictive analytics play a greater role in future electoral outcomes in Indonesia?
Snaring the ‘Big Tiger’ in Anti-Graft Campaign: Xi Asserts His Authority
Synopsis
China’s anti-corruption campaign has intensified with the investigation of ex-Politburo Standing Committee member and former head of public security, Zhou Yongkang. With this latest move against one of his fiercest rivals, Xi Jinping has given the clearest indication yet of his dominance of the top echelon of Chinese politics and may well have set the stage for future institutional reforms.
China’s Proposals for Trans-Himalayan Connectivity: Consider Four Economic Corridors
Synopsis
Following its “New Silk Roads” policies to improve connectivity with neighboring countries in Asia, China proposed earlier this year to establish a “Trans-Himalaya Economic Region” to be led by India and itself. Details of the proposal are not clear but they should focus on building four trans-Himalayan economic corridors to connect South Asia with Central and East Asia.
Xi-Modi Talks: A New Type of Sino-Indian Relationship?
Synopsis
The Xi-Modi meeting at the recent BRICS summit reflects the nascent upturn in Sino-Indian relations since Narendra Modi’s ascension to power in India. Will the relationship’s trajectory be limited to ‘Chindianomics’?
Sino-Indian border dispute: Better left dormant
Synopsis
The border dispute between China and India has come to the fore once again even as bilateral trade between them has increased exponentially. The border dispute highlights the growing strategic competition and lack of trust between them. But it is better left dormant while both governments focus on more immediate issues.
Indonesia’s Bilateral Investment Treaties: Modernising for the 21st Century
Synopsis
Indonesia will be revising all its bilateral investment treaties for a fairer deal, but it is plainly inaccurate to say these will be terminated all at once, as wrongly portrayed by some. It is time for others to accept a 21st century Indonesia.