We can do better in 2026: The Jakarta Post
Without a massive increase in investment, Indonesia's economy will diverge further from the National Medium-Term Development Plan road map, which envisions a gradual increase in…
Nepal’s democratic transformation
From civil war to inclusive peace, the country has travelled a long road in a remarkably short time, says the writer, adding that the country, "has done so not through external…
Stop the theatricals, start corruption trials ASAP
The writer argues: "People in the Philippines are awake and angry. The 94% who think corruption hurts government don’t want political theatre; they want quick, fair, and obvious…
Three cardinal rules for building democratic governance in Bangladesh
Citizens want elected leaders to govern properly, a professionalised bureaucracy to implement properly, an activated judicial hierarchy to adjudicate properly, and an empowered…
Amid disasters, worsening geopolitics, Indonesia’s ‘theatre state’ could reach its limit
There are democratic practices that are deployed to bind a nation together, whereas in an authoritarian society, rituals and theater are imposed upon the masses to instill fear…
New criticism, old terror: The Jakarta Post
Indonesians are again reminded that the space for government critics to express their opinions is shrinking, with a series of terror and intimidation.
Bangladesh is facing the most vital election ever
The writer asks: "As the election nears, we feel there is much to learn from the past. Why, after five decades, is our democracy still so weak? What were our past mistakes? Did we…
Myanmar will continue under military rule even after election, ex-ambassador Maruyama says in exclusive interview
Ichiro Maruyama, a former Japanese ambassador to Myanmar, spoke about the country’s rule under a military junta and the ongoing election during an interview with The Yomiuri…
Khaleda Zia’s economic legacy, lessons, and the road ahead
Within Bangladesh's long and complex history, Begum Khaleda Zia's leadership represents an important phase, particularly regarding economic reform and policy realignment, the…
‘Philippine corruption’: Reform or revolution?
The Filipinos' priority for now, the writer asserts, should be the creation of a progressive social movement as well as a competitive party of national leaders that would not only…