Despite COVID-19, ASEAN’s 5G aspirations remain undeterred
5G deployments present attractive benefits for ASEAN nations—benefits that are too great to be ignored, even in the face of the pandemic.
Indonesia
What does the Indonesia-Australia free trade deal mean for Australia’s role in Southeast Asia?
While the new Indonesia-Australia free trade agreement is expected to boost trade between the countries, it also represents a step for Australia towards increasing its engagement with ASEAN.
Fertile ground for failure: Indonesia hopes 2 million acres of rice paddies will help it weather COVID-19
The Indonesian government plans to turn 2.2 million acres of peat swamps on Borneo into rice paddies. The plan aims to help the country weather the impacts of COVID-19 on its food supply, but it risks repeating a fiasco from the Suharto era.
How sand mining puts Southeast Asia’s farmers at risk
Farmers in Southeast Asia face increased pressure to feed the region during the pandemic, but on top of record droughts and climate change, they’re now facing impacts from sand mining.
Collaboration and flexibility key to reviving ASEAN’s tourism industry
COVID-19 put tourism in Southeast Asia on hold. ASEAN economies need their tourism sectors to get moving again once restrictions are lifted—but it will take time and a flexible approach.
Japan forced 500,000 women into prostitution: Will Southeast Asia push for justice?
After 75 years, the survivors of Japanese war crimes of rape and forced prostitution in Southeast Asia have yet to see justice. ASEAN countries can play a decisive role in this ongoing issue.
Top palm oil producer Wilmar drops out of climate change group
Wilmar, one of the world’s biggest palm oil companies, left a coalition that aims to reduce carbon emissions and deforestation, citing management problems. Now the firm’s commitment to sustainability is cast further into doubt.
Countries start to ease social distancing restrictions: How they covered it
A round-up of how the media covered Vietnam and other countries’ decisions to ease social distancing restrictions put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Global oil price crash leaves ASEAN economies staring down the barrel
As the price of oil fell to its lowest point in almost two decades, producers in Southeast Asia were hit hard and some of ASEAN’s biggest economies are reeling.
65 years since Bandung: Indonesia’s role as a leader in international law
This month marks 65 years since Indonesia hosted the Bandung Conference, a ground-breaking summit between newly independent nations that shaped international law. As the Global South takes on a greater role in global affairs, Indonesia would do well to return to the principles of this historic conference.