Lee Kuan Yew: The Sage and Giant from Southeast Asia
Synopsis
The late former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew may not have started warmly with Indonesia and ASEAN, but he eventually became a staunch supporter of Singapore’s large neighbour based on the trust developed with Suharto, which anchored the growth of ASEAN. How will the successor generation pursue his legacy?
Indonesia’s Natuna Islands: Next Flashpoint in the South China Sea?
Synopsis
Due to their proximity to the disputed features in the South China Sea, Indonesia’s Natuna Islands could become yet another flashpoint in the area.
Tumbling Oil Prices: Bittersweet Implications for Indonesia
Synopsis
The sharp decrease in the oil price has benefitted countries dependent on oil imports to sustain their economies such as Indonesia. However it could also undermine the country’s energy security.
Addressing Indonesia’s Maritime Needs: Jokowi’s Ground and Sea-level Challenges
Synopsis
The new Jokowi government faces a major challenge to upgrade its maritime policy to safeguard Indonesia’s economic and defence needs. Besides securing its sea-lanes and overcoming logistical hurdles, the policy has to address the needs of Indonesia’s fishing and sea-based communities across the archipelago.
Why abolishing direct local elections undermines Indonesia’s democracy
A bill that will transfer the election of local leaders in Indonesia from the people to the Regional Legislative Councils is currently being contested. The Indonesian parliament passed the bill to end direct local elections on 26 September. But outgoing President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced on 30 September that he is preparing an emergency presidential decree to overturn the decision and restore elections. Direct elections at the local level — or Pilkada — have been in place since June 2005.
Tackling the Islamic State Group May Require a Softer Approach on Social Media in Malaysia and Indonesia
In response to the rise in Indonesian and Malaysian fighters joining the extremist Islamic State group (IS), Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur have taken action to criminalise membership. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the nation’s top Muslim clerical body, also released a statement that it was haram, or forbidden, for Muslims to participate in Islamic State group activities. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has also issued a strongly worded statement condemning IS for its actions, which ‘run counter to Islamic faith, culture and to common humanity’.