The five principles underpinning the Indonesian state are now being revived to counter right-wing religious rhetoric in the country, but could also be a useful political tool as it heads towards its 2019 presidential election.
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Akan Datang: Tiaras, elections and Southeast Asia’s love of Ayam
A look at the stories to watch in Southeast Asia this week: Is Najib about to get arrested? What do the Indonesian regional elections mean for next year’s big race? And what about the MoU between Bangladesh and Myanmar?
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Indonesia’s “Small Fry” Drug Dealers
For those in Indonesia with few employment options and limited capital, selling drugs can be a lucrative and easy way to earn extra money—thanks to surprising support from the local community.
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Akan Datang: A tragic sinking at Lake Toba and #FreeWilly
A look ahead at the stories to watch this week: the authorities seek a ferry sunk in Lake Toba over the Eid holiday, Cambodia gears up for its elections, and Will Nguyen remains in police custody.
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Cambodia’s Mining Industry
A spate of deaths in Kratie province has drawn attention to Cambodia’s problematic mining industry after reports that cyanide, used to flush gold mines, was found in the water.
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Timor-Leste’s Forgotten Heroes
16 years ago, Timor-Leste reclaimed its independence after decades of brutal occupation. The world’s attention turned away. But for the women whose contributions to independence go unrecognised, the fight never stopped.
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Vietnam’s Fledgling #MeToo Movement
Recent testimonies of sexual assault and harassment have brought discussions surrounding #MeToo to Vietnam, but entrenched bias and mindsets have proven difficult to shift.
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Filling the Gap: Gender bias in the media
In Myanmar—and across Southeast Asia more generally—women are generally under-represented as sources in the media. Efforts have sprung up across the region to address this problem, and through it, change the way in which women are perceived.
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Reporting While Female in Myanmar
People in Myanmar often claim that there’s gender equality, but women who decide to enter journalism tell a different story.
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Akan Datang: Duterte’s new plan, a World Cup bid and #FreeWilly
A look ahead at the stories to watch in Southeast Asia this week. Is the region going to be able to host a World Cup soon? Meanwhile, Duterte has a frightening new plan.