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Deradicalization Programs in Malaysian Prisons Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: Limitations & Challenges
The Malaysian approach to deradicalization is facing significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The split between public and private entities towards violent extremist rehabilitation jeopardizes the effectiveness of mandatory deradicalization programs in Malaysian prisons.
COVID-19 as a Catalyst for Tele-psychiatry Development in Indonesia
Developed due to current circumstances, tele-psychiatry is not only an advancement in mental healthcare but could facilitate equitable access in Indonesia. This is evident from its quick adoption by the public, a feat difficult to achieve under normal circumstances.
Beyond Vaccines: The Importance of Sustainable Policy in Indonesia after COVID-19
The Government of Indonesia (GoI) newest plan on vaccination brings optimism towards COVID-19 recovery. Although vaccination is seemingly a solution, GoI should consider adopting Sustainable Policy as a basic value of thinking beyond COVID-19 eradication.
Indonesia’s Ascend to Become the Highest COVID-19 Infected in Southeast Asia
Indonesia has topped COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia. Four factors have contributed to its predicament.
Not All Houses are Homes: Domestic Violence in Indonesia during COVID-19
While focused on managing COVID-19, Indonesia is encountering an increase in female domestic violence victims. Though avoidable, it is never too late for Indonesia to address this emerging crisis.
The Challenges of Preventing Online Radicalization of Indonesian Children during COVID-19
Indonesian children face an increased risk of online radicalization during COVID-19. This commentary discusses the challenges to prevent such radicalization while proposing how the involvements of social influencers may be a step forward.
The “Economic Recovery First” Argument Behind the Omnibus Law: Misguided Policy Priorities during COVID-19 Pandemic
Indonesia’s overemphasis on post COVID-19 economic recovery through the passing of the Omnibus Law has the potential to prolong economic downturn currently caused by the pandemic. Indonesia seems to be focusing on the wrong policies to meet with existing challenges.
Key Roles of Businesses in Indonesia to Prevent Hateful Content in a COVID-19 Era
The dissemination of hateful contents generally increases in Indonesia during crises such as COVID-19 and political contestations. Such hateful contents reflect deep-seated sentiments that have developed through Indonesia’s history.
Mining Dilemma for Non-State Actors
Indonesia’s government co-opts religious groups and universities in the mining industry, trading their moral authority for lucrative benefits.
When the Feed Feeds Back
Digital fatigue and emotional vulnerability are making Indonesian youth susceptible to extremist narratives online.
Echo Chambers, Algorithms and Young Women
Far-right groups in Canada and Malaysia are using social media algorithms to influence young women by targeting identity-based insecurities.
Is Malaysia Caught in the Revisionist Crosscurrents?
The “Ordinary Malay” is not part of the upper echelon of society and feels left behind by political promises.
Essay: Malaysia’s Economic and Masculinity Crises
The “Ordinary Malay” is not part of the upper echelon of society and feels left behind by political promises.
Thailand’s Conflict: Guns, Bombs and Assassinations
BRN targets local DVs, escalating violence as peace talks stall in Thailand’s restive south.
Welfare for Indonesia’s Elderly
Indonesia risks missing its demographic bonus by overlooking the welfare and potential of its growing elderly population.
Tensions Rise in Southern Thailand as Ramadhan Ceasefire Talks Stall
Despite efforts for peace, violence intensifies and peace talks remain deadlocked.
Pragmatic Politics in Pilkada Are Only Symptoms of Bigger Problems
Power struggle and accumulation undermine Indonesia’s democratic vision.
Singapore-South Korea Supply Chain Partnership: Opportunities and Challenges
Supply chain, technology and trade are key in Singapore-South Korea relations.
More Policy Development Needed for Children’s Welfare in Malaysia
The recent scandal highlights the inadequacy of existing policy framework to protect children’s rights.
The Terrorist Narrative is Disinformation, and It is Political
The unsurprising commonality between terrorist agenda and political campaign: disinformation.
Rizieq Shihab’s Second Bloom
Rizieq Shihab may soon become Indonesia’s top opposition figure once again.
Unfinished Homework in the East
Can Prabowo-Gibran pair improve on Jokowi’s developmentalism in eastern Indonesia considering the persistent socio-economic challenges in the region?
The OCIndex: Combating Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants
A glimpse into the 2023 Global Organized Crime Index, with a focus on Nepal and Malaysia.
The Green Wave as a Right-Wing Turn in Malay-Muslim Majoritarianism
The ‘Green Wave’ is a phenomenon that is not explainable by Islamism alone. Thinking of it as a right-wing turn in Malay-Muslim majoritarianism.
The Case for Reviewing Malaysian Civil Servants’ Salary
The remuneration system for Malaysian civil servants have remained unchanged in the past two decades, despite recent shifts spearheaded.
Building Resilience through Family and Faith for Malaysian Ex-Detainees Charged under Terrorism-related Acts
Through interviews with Malaysian ex-detainees arrested on terrorism-related charges, this article demonstrates the importance of family.
Senior Leadership: Navigating the Modern Workplace
The Green Ribbon Group (GRG) has published its second report entitled “Senior Leadership: Navigating the Modern Workplace”. Full report republished here.
Prabowo and China
For years, Prabowo has tried to cultivate a good relationship with China. With the election coming next year, is he simply covering his grounds.
South Korea’s Creative Economy and Its Stagnating Economy
K-pop, K-drama and technologies. These could very well be South Korea’s recipe against stagflation.
Workplace Mental Health in Malaysia: An Overview
stratsea.com is pleased to republish the first report in the Green Ribbon Group’s (GRG) research series on.
Should Cambodia Embrace China’s BRI?
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Cambodia has become a crucial economic and socio-cultural development factor for the nation.
Can the UAE Repair Garuda’s Broken Wings?
The UAE’s airline giants Etihad and Emirates have shown interest to keep Garuda Indonesia in the air. Time will tell if their interest and money.
Combating Disinformation: Pilpres 2024 and the Youth
With easier access to information and education system, Indonesian youths may play a significant role in preventing a repeat of national polarization of the past ahead of next year’s presidential election.
Turkey’s Woes: Recession, Earthquake and Political Battle
The devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey in February 2023 exacerbated the country’s economic problems and a posed political conundrum on the embattled President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
When Brotherhood Matters: Jokowi and MBZ
The “brotherhood” between Indonesia’s President Jokowi and Prince Mohammad bin Zayed of UAE has materialized in closer bilateral relations and symbolic appreciation of each other.
Sugary Beverages: China’s Latest Soft Power?
The popular Chinese sugary beverage chain Mixue took Indonesia by (winter) storm thanks to its solid business model and understanding of the Indonesian market. While demonstrating China’s soft power, its culinary diplomacy might clash with the government’s campaign.
IUAE-CEPA: What’s Next for Indonesia-UAE Relations?
Jakarta recently signed its first comprehensive trade agreement with a Gulf country, the United Arab Emirates. A closer economic ties, driven by diplomatic relationship and close friendship of the leaders, can be expected in the next few years.
Indonesia-Middle East Relations in 2022: A Year in Review
This article is a stocktake of the developments in the Indonesia-Middle East relations throughout the year 2022.
Malaysia’s GE15 Compromise: How Did We Get Here?
This article traces the seeds of the protracted political crisis in Malaysia and various developments that took place in the last three years while also providing an analysis on post-GE15 events.
From Islamist to Muslim Majoritarianism: The Rise of PAS in GE15
In the campaign period of GE15, PAS and other right-wing groups successfully exploited the Malay Muslim insecurity. Following PAS’ spectacular showing in the election, the challenge to Malaysia ahead is not only about the growth of Islamism, but also the rise of right-wing Malay Muslim majoritarianism.
Mental Health as a School Subject?
Recent statistics call for various interventions for mental health issues in Malaysia. Unfortunately, there is no official subject, guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), or training when it comes to mental health for first responders. This may consequently lead to negative experiences faced by those with mental health problems in times of crisis. Could this be mitigated with an early introduction to mental health?
Should Indonesia Join BRICS?
Should Indonesia accept China’s invitation to join BRICS? Recent data shows that such membership might not be necessary to assist Indonesia in facing economic shocks.
Sharia Politics in 2024: Ideology or Commodity
Sharia politics as a political force peaked in 2016 and 2017 but has struggled to maintain its momentum in recent years. Despite setbacks, it is in no way out of the picture. Will it make a comeback in 2024?
Indonesia’s Limited Response to Data Breach Incidents
The Indonesian government’s strategy to address data breach incidents are defined by much reluctance and buck passing. The passing of its Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) should not be seen as the final answer to this persistent conundrum. Rather, it should be considered as the first step towards a more effective response.
Dwindling Political Trust and Democratic Decline in Malaysia
The Malaysian public’s trust in politicians and the political system seems to be dwindling even as the nation heads into the upcoming 15th General Elections (GE). What are its consequences and how can Malaysia arrest this downright trend before its democratic process suffers further decline?
Indonesia’s Personal Data Protection at a Crossroads
The drafting of the Personal Data Protection Act (Undang-Undang Pelindungan Data Pribadi) is almost complete. After delays since its initiation in early 2020, the Indonesian House of Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat/DPR) and the government are in the final stages of discussions. The final result, however, might not satisfy those who initially sought this Act. This is due to the final draft having to accommodate the interests of the government and the DPR. Such accommodations may compromise the effectiveness of the Act.
Optimism Tempered with Reasonable Caution: The State of Philippine Cryptocurrency Regulations
The Philippine regulatory authorities aim to achieve the broader goals of fostering financial inclusion, promoting competition and delivering better outcomes for society. These goals are also pertinent to the cryptocurrency industry. Nevertheless, trust is needed to maintain the societal conventions regarding the use of money.
Solving Climate Change for a Toxic World?
Climate change is just one of the multipronged environmental issues like deforestation, pollution, water scarcity, etc. Why are global leaders adamant on choosing a harmful path to meet the Net Zero target by 2050?
PAS and Taliban are Not Two Peas in a Pod
Despite vocal support for the Taliban by several PAS leaders, such rhetoric is highly unlikely to translate into any actions beyond the permissible.
Brunei’s Path Towards Mitigating the Climate Change and the Whole of Nation Approach
Brunei is adopting a holistic approach to mitigate climate change by engaging society and other concerned organisations.
Webinar: “Melaka State Election: A Litmus Test for GE 15?” – Department of Political Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
The historic state of Melaka is drawing intense political interest. In this publicly accessible webinar by IIUM’s Department of Political Science, Dr. Lau Zhe Wei and Dr. Tunku Mohar Mokhtar discuss whether the 15th Melaka state election is a litmus test for GE15.
Brunei’s Climate Change Mitigation Policy and the Role of Civil Society
Climate change has globally imposed unprecedented impacts on the countries in the Global South. Brunei Darussalam has now been taking new steps forward to cope with the climate changes.
Engaging the Community in Countering Violent Extremism in the Pandemic Era
Despite the pandemic, violent extremism remains a perennial threat. Governments must now integrate non-legal measures with their legal framework to effectively combat this threat.
A Matter of Firm Resolve: The Philippine’s Strategic Posture in the South China Sea
The Philippines has upheld international law on the South China Sea. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared that the 2016 Arbitral Award “is now part of international law, beyond compromise and beyond the reach of passing governments to dilute, diminish or abandon.”
Changing Realities for Malaysia in the South China Sea Dispute
Is Malaysia’s preference for quiet diplomacy in the South China Sea dispute sustainable? The numerous challenges and limited options it faces in responding to China suggests a need for reassessment for the long-term.
From Violence and Trauma to Forgiveness: Case Study of Ali Fauzi Manzi
This article outlines how former Indonesian terrorists become advocates for peace through a case study of Ali Fauzi Manzi.
Ismail Sabri’s Malaysian Cabinet: Old Wine in a New Bottle
In the third government administration since the May 2018 general elections, the current Malaysian Cabinet is nothing more than a Cabinet reshuffle with very few changes.
A Rocket into the Unknown
This article outlines the Democratic Action Party’s trajectory through Malaysia’s shifting political landscape.
Foreword – Tensions in the South China Sea Series
This foreword launches the five-part “Tensions in the South China Sea” series. The series, featuring esteemed writers, aims to provide greater understanding of this complex issue.
Muhyiddin’s Failures and the Fall of the First Unelected Government in Malaysia
In March 2020, Muhyiddin Yassin led a rebellion against the government that toppled a long-standing ruling alliance tainted with corruption. His 17-months rule will be remembered for its failures to attend to people’s Covid-19-related grievances and suspension of democracy.
Empowering Indonesian Communities for Effective Reintegration of Terrorists and Their Families
The community plays an important role in the reintegration of terrorists and their families. Recognizing this, ruangobrol.id piloted a “hyper local” project involving individuals of diverse backgrounds.
Terrorist Working from Home: Pandemic and The Transposition of Violent Extremism in Malaysia
COVID-19 has not only presented many unprecedented challenges to daily lives; it has changed the violent extremism landscape in Malaysia.
Returning To Our Roots: The Anger and Heartbreak of Young Malay Men
Article is a preamble to Dina Zaman’s new book on Malay(sia), Malayness. Her book is scheduled for sale in Q3 of 2021.
Leveraging on Soft Power in Indonesia’s Vaccine Diplomacy
For the 2024 Elections, certain political parties are given concessions to bypass factual verification to contest. These concessions, via Decision 55/2020, will likely hamper efforts to simplify the political system in Indonesia.
Indonesia’s Considerable Challenges to be a Major Nursing Exporter Amidst Surplus
Indonesia seems to have a surplus of nurses. However, it is unlikely to follow the Philippines in becoming a major exporter in the near future.
Thwarting Future Attacks by FPI Splinter Cells in Indonesia
A splinter cell of an Indonesian extremist group, Front Pembela Islam (Islamic Defenders Front/FPI), was foiled in their plans to attack the government and businesses. How can Indonesia prevent similar occurrences in the future?
Biochar: A Potential Sustainable Solution to Energy and Agricultural Needs, and Climate Change Mitigation for Singapore and Southeast Asia
The incorporation of new tools is crucial to address existential threats such as climate change, food security and energy needs in Southeast Asia. Biochar is one tool that can address all three threats.
A Need for Nationwide Deradicalization Centres in Indonesia to Curb Rising Terrorist Attacks
Despite the pandemic, terrorist motivations to conduct attacks remain unabated. This demonstrates the need for the Indonesian government, assisted by the society and businesses, to set up deradicalization centres throughout Indonesia.
The Inconspicuous Truth of Singapore’s Water: Cleaned rather than Clean
The development of four national taps was introduced as Singapore’s integrated solution for a sustainable water supply. However, the lack of public awareness and civic behaviour are key challenges to this solution.
Tackling Riverine Litter in Indonesia: All Contributions Matter
The concerning riverine litter pollution in Indonesia poses a threat to public health. Governments, communities and producers play pivotal roles in addressing the issue.
Valuing Water through Community Empowerment in Malaysia
Malaysia is blessed with abundance of water. But it is at risk of not having enough for all its citizens if the community continues with its ignorant ways.
The Surplus—Shortage Paradox of Nurses in Indonesia
Many Indonesian nurses are affected by the slow absorption into a sector that is uncertain of its demand for them; a surplus-shortage paradox.
Short-term Gain, Long-term Loss of Money Politics in Indonesia’s Regional Electoral Process
The issue of money-politics in Indonesia’s regional elections is a worrying sign that rent-seeking interest still plagues its representational system. When social tensions are rising, representation might become a key issue to stability in the future.
Malaysia: The Pandemic and Emergency and its Consequences on Parliament and Elections
The recent Emergency declaration in Malaysia is touted as an extraordinary measure during extraordinary times, though many question if it was necessary to manage a pandemic that seemed to be under control just six months ago.
FPI Disbandment: Setting a Bad Precedence
After 22 years of existence and rife with controversies, the Islamic Defender Front (FPI) has finally collapsed during the Joko Widodo (Jokowi) administration. Was the government right in unilaterally disbanding FPI without warning, much less court proceedings?
Improving the Quality of Indonesian Human Resources as a Pre-requisite to Expedite the Job Creation Law: A Regional and Global Perspective
As the Job Creation Law plays a strategic role in developing the Indonesian economy, it may assist Indonesia to become a formidable regional and global competitor. Hence, it is important to synergize the law with other legislations, including the Law on the National Educational System.
The Shape of Contemporary Conflict in Southeast Asia: How Violent Extremism has Changed Our Women and Children
Women and children aligned with terrorist groups leverage gender and age dynamics for their benefit by claiming ignorance of terrorist acts so as to minimize their culpability.
Why are CPP-NPA Terrorists Deadlier than Religious Extremists?
Armed Forces of the Philippines’ official records show that the NPA communist-terrorist group has killed 13,304 of its troops from 1975 to June 2020. This is four times the soldiers killed by the MNLF and the MILF, and 5.5 times the soldiers killed by the Abu Sayyaf Group.
Info-demic in Malaysia: Present and Future Challenges
An oxymoronic term, ‘fake news’ has become synonymous with aspects of info-demic. Malaysia is no less susceptible to the vulnerabilities of the info-demic. However, there are idiosyncrasies in Malaysia’s legislative and fact-checking approaches which makes solutions decisively local.
Arming Community Actors to Combat Violent Extremism in Malaysia
The evolving threat of violent extremism has underscored the need for a multi-stakeholder response. In Malaysia, initiatives on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) have been predominantly state-led and prioritise reactive or ‘hard’ security measures over lasting prevention.
King and People are Inseparable: Proactive Constitutional Monarch in Parliamentary System
The value of a proactive constitutional monarch in Johor lies in the fact that the monarch can effectively unite different (even mutually suspicious and hostile) ethnic groups in a multi-ethnic country.
The Sustainability of the Next Islamic Initiative in Malaysia
Past governments in Malaysia had issued Islamic initiatives as the Inculcation of Noble Values, Islam Hadhari, Indeks Syariah Malaysia, Rahmatan-lil-‘Alamin, Manhaj Rabbani and Inisiatif Mantap, all of which sizzled out following the fall of their respective political advocates. What may be the next Islamic initiative by the new government after the 15th General Election (GE15)?
In Dire Need of Tougher Tobacco Control Regulations in Indonesia
Indonesia is home to the third largest population of tobacco consumers in the world. Without tougher tobacco control regulations, tobacco consumption will remain a public health threat.
Pressure Test in the Age of New Normal: Indonesia’s Pilkada 2020
Indonesia will likely proceed with its regional elections, also known as Pilkada, on 9 December 2020. Despite there being little respite of COVID-19 infections in Indonesia, lawmakers and politicians have instead rationalized why Pilkada cannot be delayed again.
Agritech: An Attractive Industry for Investment and Target for Attack
Agritech is an attractive solution for countries to maintain their food security by striving for self-sufficiency. Due to its attractiveness, safeguards must be in place to prevent any attacks on such facilities.
Deciding to be Malaysia’s PM8: An Organizational Trust Perspective
Via the organizational trust theory, insights can be obtained as to why accepting the royal mandate and not rushing to call for a snap election is ideal for Muhyiddin Yassin to become Malaysia’s PM8.