The Cambodian Supreme Court upheld the verdict against prominent opposition Rong Chhun on June 19, suspending his four-year sentence to three years of probation, whilst effectively stripping him of his political rights. Chhun, who served as an adviser to the opposition Nation Power Party, was banned from joining the race, voting and travelling abroad.
Author: Jonathan Kay
Defence and Politics Correspondent
Indonesian police detain critics of former President Joko Widodo
Roy Suryo and Tifauzia Tyassuma were formally detained by the Indonesian Police on June 19 on charges of slander and defamation against Indonesia’s former President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). The case began in March 2025, when Roy, Tifa and Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar vocally questioned the authenticity of the educational documents and diplomas of of Jokowi and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Min Aung Hlaing’s Beijing visit cements China–Myanmar partnership
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing paid a five-day official state visit to Beijing from June 15 to 19. This trip underscored the manifestation of “pauk-phaw” friendship and aimed to strengthen bilateral ties between Naypyidaw and Beijing.
Philippines’ Senate elects Gatchalian after Duterte bloc weakens
The Philippine Senate has witnessed a leadership showdown following a coalitional shift that ended the 28-day tenure of the former President RodrigoDuterte’s close ally, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. He was replaced by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on June 17, which was followed by leadership reorganisation within the committee chairmanships.
Timor-Leste President concludes Malaysia visit, securing support for ASEAN integration
Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta just concluded a five-day official state visit to Malaysia, from 13 to 17 June, with both governments devoting significant attention to advancing bilateral relations in strategic sectors and regional affairs.
Indonesian students rally nationwide against currency downturn and fuel price hikes
Students across Indonesia held a massive rally on June 12 to protest against Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s administration’s economic management and policy direction. Beyond the capital Jakarta, the wave of demonstrations rapidly spread to other major regional cities, such as Bogor, Bandung, Semarang, Kendari and Yogyakarta, signifying the wide public discontent.
Japan and Indonesia deepen defense ties with destroyer transfer and training
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, unveiled a new defence policy framework on June 12, signalling a strategic shift intended at bilateral defence ties and maritime security.
Beijing sanctions Philippine defense chief over ‘irresponsible’ comments
On June 11, China formally announced sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his family, prohibiting them from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, and banning them from conducting business with firms originating from these areas. The decision to sanction him was in response to what Beijing called Teodoro’s “irresponsible remarks on China” in relation to China’s claim in the South China Sea.
Vietnam unveils new strategy to align diplomacy with national development
Vietnamese President and Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Secretary General, Tô Lâm, announced a new set of development and foreign policy priorities on June 11, signalling a strategic shift aimed at boosting domestic potential while playing an active role in regional and world affairs.
Corruption arrests reach the heart of Indonesia’s government
Indonesian authorities launched sweeping arrests in early June, detaining President Prabowo Subianto’s inner circle officials, detaining several high-ranking officials from the newly-formed National Nutrition Agency (BGN) and the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services. These arrests have become one of the most striking blows within his administration.