Fangli Hu

Aug 20, 2024 | eastasiaforum.org | Jayant Menon |Anthony Milner |Fangli Hu |Jun Wen

Southeast and South Asia are two of the most dynamic and fastest growing regions in the world. Yet despite their proximity and commercial relations that date back centuries, trade and investment growth between the two have remained mostly in the single digits in modern times. One reason for this is that while most Southeast Asian countries are active participants in global supply chains, most South Asian countries are not.

Aug 13, 2024 | eastasiaforum.org | Michael C Montesano |Fangli Hu |Jun Wen |Alison McCook

On 7 August 2024, Thailand’s Constitutional Court dissolved the reformist Move Forward Party. The court grounded its decision in the much-contested legal argument that the party’s 2023 campaign pledge to amend the law of lese majeste (offence to majesty) constituted an attempt to topple the Thai monarchy. The case against Move Forward hinges, however, on a more fundamental issue — whether Thailand’s interests and its future will be well-served by liberal democracy.

Apr 24, 2024 | eastasiaforum.org | Herni Ramdlaningrum |Fangli Hu |Jun Wen |Gilang Kembara

Indonesia faces significant environmental and health challenges due to its reliance on coal-powered plants. Recognising the urgent need to transition to more sustainable energy sources, the Indonesian government has embarked on a strategic journey toward the early decommissioning of coal-powered plants. Indonesia is one of the world’s largest coal producer and consumer, with 254 operational coal-fired power plants with a total capacity of 51.56 gigawatts (GW).

Apr 21, 2024 | eastasiaforum.org | Ashley J Tellis |Fangli Hu |Jun Wen |Gilang Kembara

Over the next six weeks, 969 million voters will be eligible to cast their ballots in the Indian election — the largest democratic exercise in history. Incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to lead his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to a thumping third successive victory on the back of his personal popularity, economic record and muscular brand of Hindutva politics.

Apr 19, 2024 | eastasiaforum.org | Fangli Hu |Jun Wen |Florian Klumpp |Gilang Kembara

The Indonesian government’s tax hike on entertainment services has sparked widespread debate. Effective from January 2024, the tax rate surged up to between 40–75 per cent, up from 25–35 per cent for the specific goods and services tax in venues such as bars, nightclubs, beach clubs, karaoke lounges and spas. This proposal faced industry opposition, prompting its suspension for reassessment given the potential effects on the public, tourism and small businesses.