Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul concluded theirbilateral summit in Putrajaya from July 9-10, setting an ambitious deal breaker agreement on 30 billion US dollar in bilateral trade by 2027—a goal that coincides with the 70ᵗʰ anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year.
Author: Jonathan Kay
Research Assistant at CSIS Indonesia
Top Indonesian Prosecutor Named Suspect In Massive Corruption Scandal
Indonesia’s Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah, resigned from his position on July 11 following the police raid on his local residence and cafe on July 8. During that operation, investigators seized 20 million US dollar in cash across multiple currencies and 74 kg (163 lbs) of gold bars. On July 11, the Head of the National Police Anti-Corruption Task Force named Febrie as a suspect of corruption and graft.
Philippines Balances Myanmar Peace Plan and South China Sea Strategy
The Philippines, as the current chair of the ASEAN will hold an informal consultation dialogue between the bloc and Myanmar’s foreign minister, Tin Maung Swe, on July 12. This marks the first of its kind since the junta seized power back in 2021.
At the World Cup, Why Does Indonesia Cheer for Other Nations More Than Its Neighbours?
The crowd comments flooded the section. It was on June 26, the day when the Netherlands proceeded to the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Something telling happened in the largest Southeast Asian country. Indonesia cheered for the victory over its former colonial ruler as if it were its own. This phenomenon points to an interesting paradox. The World Cup 2026 lacks any Southeast Asian representatives, yet the region is among the top (edging on being fanatic, even) football fans on the entire globe.
‘Prepare for Typhoon Inday’, Warns Philippine Vice President’s Chief of Staff
Vice President Sara Duterte’s chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, visited the Senate upon being subpoenaed on July 9. When door-stopped by journalists, Lopez enigmatically remarked, “prepare for Typhoon Inday,” a statement that immediately raised suspicions among policymakers and analysts.
India’s Modi Winds Up Visit to Indonesia, Securing Key Defence and Trade Deals
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a three-day state visit to Indonesia on July 8, marking his first bilateral visit since the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). The visit produced a series of core agreements spanning defence, maritime, technology, healthcare and economic cooperation.
Philippine Vice President Skips Impeachment Hearing, Vows ‘Bloodied but Unbowed’
Vice President Sara Duterte appeared before the Senate as her trial entered its second day on July 7. However, she later skipped the proceedings, declaring, “In this bloodbath and bludgeoning, I will be bloodied but unbowed.”
Singapore’s Lawrence Wong Visits Indonesia for Leaders’ Retreat
Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong paid an official visit to Indonesia’s capital on July 6 for the Indonesia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat, meeting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Merdeka Palace.
Cambodia Lodges Protest over Thai Border Encroachment
The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) issued a formal protest directed against the commander of the Royal Thai Army, who heads the Thailand contingent of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), on July 2.
Separatists Burn Plane, Kill US Pilot in Indonesia’s Papua Highland
The US Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) pilot was murdered by a Papuan separatist group on July 2. Indonesian authorities confirmed that an armed criminal group (KKB) connected to the separatist movement was responsible for burning a missionary aircraft and fatally killing its American pilot in Yahukimo district, Papua Highlands.