Author: Rizal Sukma, CSIS Jakarta

Indonesia has taken consistent steps to rebuild its international image since emerging from the political turmoil of 1998–1999.

The country has focussed on re-establishing its leadership role within ASEAN, and has demonstrated a desire to assume a global role by promoting itself as the world’s third largest democracy, largest moderate Muslim-majority country, and as a ‘bridge-builder’ and a ‘problem-solver’ in the wider global community. Read more…

Author: Rizal Sukma, CSIS

There is debate about whether the 2009 elections in Indonesia suggest a further decline of Islam in Indonesia’s politics. Many believe that Islam has become less significant in Indonesia’s politics.

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s (SBY) Administration faces many challenges, but despite all the issues that confront the country, Indonesia’s democracy has displayed a degree of resilience. Read more…

Author: Rizal Sukma, CSIS Indonesia

Despite clear and loud evidence to the contrary, officials from ASEAN continue to engage in the habit of deceiving themselves by believing that the ASEAN Charter — now fully ratified by all 10 member states — will automatically create a new ASEAN.

A long-serving assistant to ASEAN Secretary-General Termsak Chalermpalanupap maintained that once the charter goes into force next month, ASEAN will soon turn into a new organization. He believes the charter will turn ASEAN into a rules-based and people-oriented organization. He is also convinced that with the charter, ASEAN is ‘now changing into a new mode, into community building’.

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