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Indonesia’s Cybersecurity Disaster: An Alarm to Reform
Indonesia’s latest cybersecurity disaster highlights classical problems in its governance – jurisdictional overlap and failure to cover the basics.
Security vs. Militarization: The Debate Over Kodam Expansion
Indonesia’s proposed Kodam expansion faces criticism for being outdated, straining the budget and risking a return to military dominance.
Dangers of Dehumanizing Rhetoric and Its Impact on the Palestinian People
Dehumanization is an effective strategy to mobilize the masses and breeds violence. This article explains why this is so and what is needed in the face of it.
Assessing Malaysia’s Current Security Challenges
Malaysia’s current security threats are closely associated with its socio-political structure that it inherited from the colonial period. Simultaneously, the changing international order could also pose mounting challenges to the country’s management of the ever increasing traditional and non-traditional security threats.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: Ideological, Security and Geopolitical Implications for Malaysia
Despite Malaysia’s cautious approach to the recent Afghan development, it could face challenges such as the deepening of socio-religious cleavages and incitement of both violent and non-violent extremism.
Policy Contradictions to Eradicate Human Trafficking in Indonesia: Problems with the Vision, Strategy or Implementation?
An obstacle in eradicating human trafficking in Indonesia stems from issues in governance. This requires strengthening its vision, improving its strategy, leadership and coordination in policy implementation.
The Bamboo in the Gale
Thailand must evolve from passive “bamboo” neutrality to proactive humanitarian engagement to survive the consequences of the ongoing war.
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.
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.
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.
Singapore-Tokyo Partnership Secures Middle Ground Amid Global Tensions
As regional uncertainty grows, Singapore and Japan have strong reasons to deepen practical security cooperation while preserving an open and inclusive regional order.
Champagne Dreams on Coffee Budget
Critics warn the ageing platform’s US$450 million refit cost risks derailing the national budget for defence.
Negotiating Peace in the Far South, Anutin Style
Thailand’s Deep South peace talks hit a violent impasse as BRN rejects empty buzzwords for actual autonomy.
Iran’s “Victory” Will Reshape Geopolitics
Iran survives the 2026 war through a “resistance economy”, shattering the US and Israeli military power and reconsidering its security and political alliances.
Myanmar’s New Thailand Pivot
Thailand shifts to a proactive, unilateral Myanmar policy in 2026, balancing border security risks against a new role as mediator.
Ukraine’s Survival Lessons for Southeast Asia
In the fifth year of the Russia-Ukraine war, ASEAN countries can learn a thing or two about survival from their Eastern European middle power counterpart.
TNI’s (Over)Stretched Barracks
TNI expands into civilian schools, meals distribution and counterterrorism, shifting the delicate civil-military balance and threatening democratic oversight.
The Board of Peace and the Fraying of Indonesia’s Diplomacy
Prabowo’s entry into Trump’s Board of Peace trades Indonesia’s principled diplomacy for symbolic access, while excluding Palestinian voices in Gaza.
The Zohran Paradox
Muhammad Sinatra’s (Editor, stratsea) reflections on Zohran Mamdani, the new mayor of New York City.
The Remaking of Middle East Politics Post-7 October
The “second-order effects” of 7 October redrew the map of the Middle East and, with it, the region’s political constellation.
Remembering Sampit, Rethinking ASEAN
Sampit proves that diversity is not naturally stable. ASEAN must prioritise fair institutions to prevent predictable cycles of ethnic violence.
Arson Attacks Signal Breakdown in Peace Talks
Electoral Ambitions vs Security Realities In the beginning of this year, 11 PTT petrol stations in Thailand’s southernmost border provinces came under simultaneous arson and bombing attacks in the wee hours of Sunday, 11 January 2026. The country is currently undergoing preparations for a nationwide poll to elect local administration organisation officials. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul […]
Ending the Peace (Small) Talks
After 20 years and over 7,000 deaths, the peace process remains a symbolic exercise stalled by institutional dissonance. Peace fails when the people are treated as objects, not subjects.
The “End State” Deadlock
For a peace process to be meaningful, it must move beyond “talk shops” and address the criminalisation of political discourse in Patani.
The Year’s Big Drift
The Indo-Pacific region is drifting from its inclusive vision toward record militarisation and a deepening trust deficit.
Essay: When China Blinks, Myanmar Shifts and People Move
Forced migration in Myanmar serves as a strategic diagnostic, revealing how China’s geopolitical calculations shift regional power and human lives.
KNU, Scam Centres and an Uneasy Alliance
International sanctions and military raids are dismantling Myanmar’s billion-dollar scam hubs, reshaping border alliances and human safety.
Rubbing Salt in the Wound
Prabowo’s first year consolidates a systemic pattern: economic growth and political stability over human rights, narrowing civic space.
Andreas Aditya Salim, S.H., LL.M. (Cand.)
Andreas Aditya Salim, S.H., LL.M. (Cand.) is a lawyer specializing in ocean affairs. He served as a legal counsel to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia in her capacity as the Commander of the Presidential Task Force to Combat Illegal Fishing. Andreas is also an alumnus of Rhodes Academy […]
Soft Power Diplomacy in the South China Sea
ASEAN should prioritise soft power – like environmental protection and humanitarian aid – to build trust and stability in the South China Sea.
After the Riots
Is Indonesia heading towards a digital dystopia?
Feature Report: Causes and Implications of Indonesia’s 2025 Riots
Viral videos of dancing lawmakers and economic hardship fueled Indonesia’s August-September 2025 riots, damaging facilities and raising concerns.
More Than a Joke: How Sexist Hate Speech Undermines Women
In Southeast Asia, circular agriculture builds climate resilience and strengthens livelihood by recycling resources and integrating farm systems.
The Middle East Crisis: Perspectives from the Philippines
The Middle East crisis profoundly impacts the Philippines through oil, migrant workers and regional stability.
What Does an ASEAN Membership Mean for Timor-Leste?
Opportunities must be matched by internal readiness and reform.
Anwar’s Lack of Fortune in Thailand’s Far South
Anwar Ibrahim’s peace efforts in Thailand’s far south are continuously hampered by political instability in Bangkok.
Online Fear Speech and Subtle Incitement
In a social media landscape, fear speech subtly portrays groups as threats, stoking anxiety and justifying exclusion.
The Malay Identity and Environmental Challenges in Southern Thailand
Environmental and cultural issues are intertwined in Southern Thailand, where a recent event highlighted a new focus on sustainable development.
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.
Prabowo’s Directionless Foreign Policy and Its Consequences
Grand ambitions, but aimless and neglecting ASEAN.
When Separatist Bombs Shake Thailand’s Tourist Shores
As peace talks crumble, insurgents begin targeting Thailand’s tourism hot spots.
A Southeast Asian Perspective on Bangladesh’s Political Transition
Like Southeast Asia almost four decades ago, Bangladesh now faces the delicate aftermath of an authoritarian collapse, where the real test is not the fall of the regime but what emerges to replace it.
Free Speech and the Freedom to Punch Your Face
A Qur’an burning incident sparks debate on free speech limits, engineered hate and the profitable “Islamophobia Industry.
Corruption as Malaysia’s “Invisible Hand”
Cultural norms like blind obedience and patronage fuel Malaysia’s systemic corruption, impacting economy and public trust.
Thailand’s Conflict: Guns, Bombs and Assassinations
BRN targets local DVs, escalating violence as peace talks stall in Thailand’s restive south.
Contrarian View: Dwifungsi Concern is Overblown
The widely contested revisions to the military law are still within reasonable limits.
Welfare for Indonesia’s Elderly
Indonesia risks missing its demographic bonus by overlooking the welfare and potential of its growing elderly population.
Chapter One – The Story of Ya
In this chapter, hear an audio recording of a conversation with Ya, a hamba habshi.
Thailand: Of Uyghur Deportations and Backlash
Thailand’s deportation of Uyghur detainees has strained ties with the United States and drawn backlash from human rights groups.
TNI Returns, to a Certain Extent
Indonesia’s revised military law raises concerns over transparency, civilian roles and governance.
Bordered by History: Tension in the Thailand-Myanmar Frontier (Part II)
Tensions persist along the Thailand-Myanmar border, shaped by history, ethnic conflicts and shifting alliances.
Prabowo’s Rushed and Inadequate Free Meal Programme
Public enthusiasm for Prabowo’s free meal programme is undeniable, but weak oversight and poor planning threaten its success.
The Politics of Language: Threat of Hate Speech to ASEAN’s Inclusivity and Sustainability
“Darkness cannot drive darkness; Light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; Love can do that.” (Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Is Indonesia’s Military Leaving the Barracks?
Indonesia’s military expands its role into civilian affairs under Prabowo. What does this mean for the country’s democracy?
In Supporting Palestine, Malaysia Must Play to Its Strengths
Despite limited impacts from the war, Malaysia remains a staunch supporter of the Palestinian plight.
Indonesia’s Stronger Middle East Commitment Under Prabowo
We may see a more proactive Indonesia in pushing for peace in the Middle East.
The Gaza Conflict Has Stirred Thailand’s Far South, Mildly
Israel’s war on Gaza has sparked concern of a rise in insurgent activities in Thailand’s southern provinces.
Is Support for Gaza Waning in Indonesia?
Only a few pro-Gaza protests were seen around the time of the war’s commemoration in Indonesia.
Israel’s Expanding War and Its Implications to the Philippines
An unstable Middle East is not good for the Philippines’ economic interests.
Indonesia’s Slow (and Delayed) Climate Action
Indonesia’s climate policies continued to be overshadowed by economic development priorities.
Alien: Romulus’ True Horror Inches Ever Closer
No, it is not the facehuggers and acid-blooded Xenomorphs.
How Malaysia Grapples with the Triple Planetary Crisis
The world is grappling with the triple planetary crisis of extreme weather, pollution and biodiversity loss. Malaysia has not been spared.
The EU’s New AI Regulation Will Have Global Implications
The EU has taken a progressive step towards regulating AI. Its implications will reverberate worldwide.
Malaysia In the Middle
Recent global and local events have intensified identity politics in Malaysia.
Can China and Indonesia Forge Stronger Counterterrorism Collaboration?
China’s harsh treatment of its minorities and unresolved tension over the South China Sea may hamper a closer China-Indonesia collaboration in counterterrorism.
China’s Assertive Cyber Activism and Lessons for Indonesia
China’s aggressive activities in the cyberspace have often targeted middle powers that are its neighbours.
Women Behind Deradicalization Efforts
Women’s role in deradicalization process often goes unnoticed by the public.
Gaza and An Alternate World Order
Introduction The crisis in Gaza shows that the multilateral world order has arrived at a new low of dysfunctionality.
Combatting Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported Fishing as a Step Towards Sustainable Blue Economy Practice
In the pursuit of a sustainable blue economy, combatting illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing (IIU fishing) is paramount.
Foreign Universities in Indonesia: Threats and Opportunities
Foreign universities should be allowed to operate in Indonesia. But they should also serve the country’s national interest.
Behind the Veil: Taliban’s Secret Visit to Indonesia
A shroud of disquietude falls over Indonesia following a veiled visit by Taliban representatives recently.
SEEKING (GOOD) NEWS FROM THE AMENDMENT OF UU ITE – PART II
This is the second of a two-part article on the ongoing amendment of the controversial UU ITE in Indonesia, focusing on the discrepancy.
76 Terror Inmates Pledged Allegiance to Indonesia. What Next?
Scores of terror inmates recently abandoned their radical beliefs and embraced the sovereignty of Indonesia. Is that enough?
The 1975’s Stunt: A Legacy of Colonialism
White saviors believe they could save the world from “backwardness”. The latest incident in Malaysia demonstrates just how wrong they are.
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.
India’s G20 Presidency: Lessons Learned from Indonesia
This article discusses the potentials of India’s G20 presidency in 2023 and how India could learn from Indonesia to navigate its own agenda and arrange its priorities.
China-Indonesia Relations in 2022: A Year in Review
This article is a stocktake of the developments of Indonesia’s relationship with China in 2022, focusing on security, economic and soft power considerations.
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.
Recidivism in Indonesia: Peering Through the lens of Desistance from Terrorism
The recent suicide attack in Indonesia on 7 December 2022 was conducted by a terrorist recidivist. The author is proposing a new lens to understand why terrorists continue to reoffend.
Mediatised Religion in Malaysia: Islamization by Trolling?
The dynamics behind the “Islamization race” in Malaysian politics is changing. Apart from the UMNO-PAS competition as the “defender” of Islam, Malaysia is currently experiencing “Islamization by trolling” with real life consequences.
Victory and Defeat: The Philippines and the South China Sea
Underneath all of President Rodrigo Duterte’s strongman bravado is a deep-seated insecurity, resulting in a widespread defeatist attitude. This defeatism, while can be traced back to Filipino’s culture and the country’s longstanding alliance with the United States, manifests in Duterte’s pivot to China policy and neutrality in the Ukraine crisis. It has also provided a suitable context that ushered the return of the Marcos family to power.
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.
Björka’s Effective Hacktivism and Lessons for Indonesia
As Indonesia was amidst passing its Personal Data Protection Act, the country was suddenly plunged into an unprecedented digital crisis as a hacker–going by the nom de guerre “Björka”–stole, sold and divulged the personal data of Indonesians including the elites. This incident not only exposes the vulnerability of Indonesia’s cybersecurity system, but also the government’s lacklustre response to the problem.
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.
The Indonesian Armed Forces’ Involvement in Counterterrorism: Pondering Beyond the Established Debates
It has been four years since the ratification of the revised law on terrorism, but the Indonesian government has yet to issue a Presidential Regulation (Perpres) on TNI’s involvement in counterterrorism operations. What is the progress? Why has it been delayed? What are the issues that have yet to be explored?
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.
Securing and Sustaining Cryptocurrency in Malaysia
Norliza Katuk is an associate professor of computing and cybersecurity at Universiti Utara Malaysia. Her research interests are information security, authentication, Internet technology and e-learning experience. She can be contacted at k.norliza@uum.edu.my.
Uncoding the Indonesia Lone Wolf Anarchist
Although attacks by Indonesian anarchists have yet to cause fatalities, they continue to threaten national and regional security. This is particularly due to their deep connections with international anarchist communities. Unless Indonesia and its neighbours take immediate preventive measures, not only more attacks are expected but would be more lethal than that of February 16, 2022.
Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy: A New Opportunity
Though currently more expensive to implement, Malaysia’s transition to a low-carbon economy is beneficial in the long-term. Benefits include new business opportunities and employment avenues.
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.”
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.
South China Sea: The Need for Strong and Persistent Policies
The complexities of the South China Sea issue require Southeast Asian states to develop strong, persistent policies. These should entail all “what-ifs” including the withdraw of the US and its allies from the South China Sea.
The Different Sides of Malaysia’s Response to the Taliban
The Taliban’s resurgence has received diverse responses from Malaysians. While other countries are facing security threats from locally-based jihadists seeking to imitate the Taliban’s success, the immediate impact on Malaysia is arguably further social polarisation.
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.
A Four-Component Post-Release Assessment Essential to Prevent Recidivism in Indonesia
Pledging loyalty to the Unitary Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) is an important indicator the government uses to measure the success of terrorist deradicalization programmes inside prisons. However, assessments must continue after an inmate’s release.
Outlawing OPM: A Right Step in Ensuring Lasting Peace in Papua
The Indonesian government has officially labelled the Free Papua Movement a terrorist group. What are the consequences of this labelling and how can the government counter this terrorist threat in Papua?
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.
Controversies Surrounding the 2021 Presidential Regulation on Violent Extremism in Indonesia
The Indonesian government has issued a comprehensive regulation aimed at preventing the development of violent extremism. However, its signing has caused controversy, especially fears of potential witch hunts where people would prejudice and find fault with others.
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?
The Politics of Religion in Indonesia: Exploiting the Islamic Identity in a Fragmented Society
The popularity of figures such as FPI leader Rizieq Shihab signals a worrying trend of growing hardline conservatism among Indonesian Muslims.
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.
The Invisible Women and Children of Malaysia: The Vulnerability of Stateless Persons to Terrorism and Violent Extremism
Since terrorist and violent extremist groups tend to flourish in marginalized areas, no sector in today’s world is at greater risk and remains severely understudied as the stateless women and children targeted for recruitment and radicalization by terrorist organizations.
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.
(Re)Framing the Tech War – A Strategy for the US
A prolonged tech war could result in blowbacks that would undermine US interests, this article argues that by changing the framing of the issues, the US may more easily bring China to the negotiating table to resolve its concerns amicably.
Immortality via News Media? A Case Study of Former Terrorism Inmates in Indonesia
Employing Terror Management Theory (TMT), this study sought to explore the impact of the symbiotic relationship between news media and terrorism on terrorism perpetrators.
Revoking Citizenship: Not a Step Forward for Indonesian Counter Terrorism
Proposed changes to Indonesia’s Anti-Terrorism Bill could include revoking the citizenships of its citizens who participated in terrorism overseas. Is this the right way forward?