Indonesia needs to clean up its act in West Papua
The Indonesian government’s response to the protests in West Papua is undermining its credibility. Without meaningful dialogue between all parties, tensions will remain and protests will continue.
Climate change adds a new dimension to Laos’ UXO challenges
Unpredictable weather patterns pose new UXO threats to Laotians. To meet these threats, international governments will have to make changes in the current aid distribution model.
Tipping the balance: ASEAN manages maritime drills with both the US and China
With more joint maritime drills with the US and China, ASEAN nations may find themselves financially stretched. However, the strategic benefits may outweigh the financial injections.
Capital games: Indonesia is building its new capital on indigenous land and it doesn’t bode well for rainforests or the climate
The Indonesian government’s plan to move its capital to Borneo ignores the voices of the Dayak indigenous people and poses massive risks to the environment.
Asia-Pacific Housing Forum: the most vulnerable are being left behind in Southeast Asia’s housing market
Rapid economic development in the Asia-Pacific region has lifted millions out of poverty in recent decades. The middle classes are benefiting from increased housing options, but those at the bottom of the economic ladder are still struggling.
The Bangladeshi government cracks down on Rohingya freedom of expression and movement
Tensions in Rohingya refugee camps are rising following failed repatriation efforts. The Bangladeshi government’s knee-jerk responses only threaten to exacerbate the situation.
Jakarta ranked in the bottom ten of the 2019 Safe Cities Index, but does that mean residents are at risk?
Jakarta remains among the least safe cities in the region. But the threats residents face are systemic rather than violent.
The economic slowdown in China threatens to deepen inequality and poverty in ASEAN
Southeast Asian economies are facing a downturn as markets follow trends in the US and China. If the slide continues, it risks worsening wealth inequality and poverty across the region.
Renewed fighting in Shan State exposes flaws in Myanmar-China development plan
Renewed violence between ethnic armed groups and the Myanmar military in Shan State has thrown joint China-Myanmar development plans into question. Relying on China to broker peace seems an increasingly risky gamble.
Value Added Tax on online services will become the new norm
Come 2020, most of ASEAN’s citizens could find themselves paying more for digital services. Indonesia is the latest ASEAN nation to draft new tax legislation on online products and services.