Showing 1 - 10 of 3,721
Coronavirus and democracy in Southeast Asia
Oped, Published on 01/04/2020
» In Southeast Asia, as the health crisis escalates and countries go into different variations of a lockdown, it is affording regimes with authoritarian tendencies the opportunity to suppress political expression, enforce strict obedience and consolidate their rule. Unless this is called out and actions taken to address these measures, a post-Covid-19 Southeast Asia will put democracy on the backfoot in the region.
Cultural looting still a persistent crisis in SE Asia
News, Published on 14/11/2022
» The Nepalese conservationist Rabindra Puri, directing his own construction of a new Museum of Stolen Art in eastern Kathmandu speaks passionately about how he will feature replicas of stolen Nepalese antiquities, the originals having long ago been shipped overseas and since displayed in tourist attractions, art museums, or private residences, like hunting trophies.
US discovers SE Asia
News, Editorial, Published on 24/04/2017
» One hundred days into the Donald Trump presidency, the United States has realised there is a part of the world it ignored. Vice-President Mike Pence has been in Indonesia, praising its "moderate" Muslims. Mr Trump will attend all three big East Asia summits in November. He also will make official visits to Vietnam and the Philippines. They are the hosts of the summits of the Association of Southeast Asian nations (Asean), the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec), and East Asia.
Used goods shape up as Southeast Asia's 'new thing'
News, Adam Minter, Published on 05/07/2017
» On the second floor of a 22,300-square-metre, used-goods superstore in thesuburbs of Kuala Lumpur, Koji Onazawa pauses beside some old Japanese surfboards.
You're not in Malaysia Mr Plodprasop
Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 14/05/2013
» "Garbage", that's the exact word used by Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi to label all the non-governmental organisations, environmental and civic groups which plan to protest in Chiang Mai over the next week, when some 1,500 delegates from 49 countries are attending the Second Asia-Pacific Water Summit in the northern capital.
A 14th century warning for the 21st century
News, Published on 12/02/2024
» A history student told me recently that he loves researching the 20th century but can't see the point of the Middle Ages. I responded that it can be a big help to understanding our own times -- very troubled times -- to view them in the context even of the remote past.
Chokepoints could cripple trade
News, Published on 16/01/2024
» When traffic through the Suez Canal ground to a halt in 2021, the extraordinary cost and disruptions to global commerce seemed overwhelming. But 8,000 kilometres from the canals of Suez and Panama lie even more important shipping lanes, chokepoints that could cripple global trade should any disaster befall them.
Prabowo gets a TikTok makeover
News, Published on 12/12/2023
» Indonesians will get a chance to hear from their presidential and vice-presidential hopefuls in the first of five televised debates this week. The theme of the discussion is, among other issues, human rights. It should provide an opportunity for voters in the world's third-largest democracy to probe the calibre and character of the front-runner for the country's top job.
Some 2023 tales you may have missed
Roger Crutchley, Published on 31/12/2023
» It is customary at this time of the year for PostScript to look back at some of the major happenings of the last 12 months. But we will have a change this year because the news has been far too depressing. So instead we will examine some of the not-so-major happenings of 2023 that you might have missed amongst all the gloom and doom. They may not be particularly significant but are a lot more fun than the grim stuff we read every day.
Honour models for democracy
News, Editorial, Published on 18/12/2022
» Since the 1998 ouster of the dictator Suharto -- who ruled Indonesia with an iron fist for over three decades -- the world's fourth most populous nation has undergone a series of rapid changes. Once dependent on foreign aid to exercise its basic functions, Indonesia has firmly established itself as a major economic player in the Asia-Pacific region, with the distinction of being the only Southeast Asian economy to be included in the Group of 20.