The Cook Islands' recent deals with China represents a shift from soft- to hard-edged diplomacy in the Pacific.

Riyadh has been emerging as a neutral ground for mediating geopolitical issues in recent years and Trump’s return to the White House has opened other opportunities as a player in global diplomacy, though its broader strategy is still firmly rooted in the Gulf, with a foothold in the Global South.

The most likely measure to address cybercrime is with the reverse proof system, which places the burden of proof on the perpetrator. 

Adopting at least four of the Santiago Principles, described as "the globally accepted standards for governance, investment and risk management practices for sovereign wealth funds" by the SWF international forum, will help ensure the independence, transparency and attractiveness of the nascent Danantara fund.

The recent launch of Indonesia's first bullion bank, within the framework of a 2023 financial development law and an OJK regulation, marks a significant step forward in the country's potential entry to the global gold market, as well as greater wealth and economic self-sufficiency.

President Prabowo Subianto has vowed to crack down on mafia-like practices in the oil and gas industry, after an ongoing probe named nine executives as suspects in a case on fraudulent crude oil and fuel trading, estimated to have incurred state losses of Rp 193.7 trillion (US$12 billion) between 2018 and 2023. The outcome of this case will be a test of Prabowo’s commitment to fighting corruption in the energy sector, especially as to whether the investigation extends to high-profile figures who might have profited from the illegal activity.

Jakarta’s new leaders must acknowledge the urgent need to make the city more livable. This requires balancing infrastructure and social development, economic growth and environmental protection.

In 2022, Pope Francis sent a message to Muslims on the occasion of Ramadan, highlighting the importance of cooperation and solidarity in facing global challenges.

Women bring a unique and invaluable perspective to innovation—whether it is designing AI-driven virtual makeup applications or personal shopping assistants, our lived experiences shape technology.

Not only do malaria and HIV receive far more resources from the Global Fund than tuberculosis, they also get much more global publicity and media coverage.

The government needs to immediately address the issue of deforestation as a key problem affecting both the environmental and economic viability of investment in the palm oil industry.

But thanks to weeks of harassment from low-level police officers which culminated in the band removing the song from all streaming platforms, the song is now an instant hit and the subject of conversation of everyone who has access to the internet, inspiring dozens of covers and becoming a rallying cry for thousands of students who took to the streets in recent days to protest President Prabowo Subianto's austerity measures.

The government is enhancing labor protections by introducing new regulations that guarantee holiday bonuses (THR) for ride-hailing drivers. However, due to the lack of a clear legal classification of these drivers as employees, their entitlement to these benefits remains uncertain. In parallel, President Prabowo Subianto has enacted a regulation ensuring that laid-off workers receive 60 percent of their last salary for six months.

A crucial issue is public-sector over-indebtedness, which affects about one-third of developing countries, while several others face high debt levels and interest costs.

The open-source movement has shown that AI innovation is no longer controlled by a select few companies advocating for closed, proprietary AI. 

Recent developments regarding sovereignty show the conflict has important implications for the region.

Amid these new realities, it might be opportune to ponder Indonesia’s readiness to weather potential storms coming from the White House.

While the new regulation represents a major shift, it is ultimately a strategic move to ensure that Indonesia’s wealth benefits its own economy rather than being held in foreign financial markets

The termination of US aid for Indonesia's counterterrorism efforts could increase the likelihood of violent extremist organizations regrouping and former terrorists reengaging with their previous networks.

President Prabowo Subianto is pushing for budget efficiency, which is expected to save around Rp 300 trillion (US$18.36 billion) and could even reach Rp 750 trillion, to create enough fiscal space to fund his signature programs such as the free nutritious meals program and the new Danantara sovereign wealth fund. On the other hand, this austerity measure is feared to undermine the morale of government employees, who will see their pay drop significantly.

The PDI-P has gone as far as refraining from saying it opposes the Prabowo administration, although it insists on staying outside of the government. 

Backed by the US, Australia has been increasingly asserting its power in the Indo-Pacific region. Has this strategy served it well?

The AIIB is a paradox: an institution connected to the rules and norms of the liberal international order, but one created by an illiberal regime.

Increased taxes on tobacco products to reduce their affordability remains the most cost-effective tool to reduce consumption.

Many of the needs of young people are systematically ignored in the government’s climate policies and actions. 

In the face of funding cuts and geopolitical fragmentation, multilateral organizations look weaker than ever.

The government has shown an increasing willingness to employ authoritarian tactics, a trend that pro-democracy activists have warned about for years.