On August 14, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto delivered his second State of the Nation (SONA) address at the annual session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and joint session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and Regional Representatives Council (DPD), outlining his administration’s achievements and priorities ahead of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day.
Author: Zarah Ysabel Tortocion
Defence and Politics Correspondent, SEA Daily
Thailand Separates US Defence Ties From Trade Talks Amid Tariff Pressure
On August 12, Thailand has rejected reports that it is considering using its longstanding defence cooperation with the US as leverage in negotiations over President Trump’s tariffs, stressing that economic and security relations with Washington will remain separate.
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore Concluded Trilateral Maritime Drills, Aim Wider ASEAN Participation
On August 12, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore concluded a three-day maritime security exercise under the Tripartite Coast Guard Cooperation initiative in the Riau Islands, Indonesia, aimed at strengthening cooperation and safety in regional waterways.
Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan Executive Councillors Pledges Policy Continuity
On August 8, Negeri Sembilan’s newly appointed State Executive Council (Exco) members pledged to continue existing programmes and implement manifesto commitments following the state election, which returned Barisan Nasional (BN) as the dominant force in the 36-seat state legislature.
Philippines-US Sign 2027 Defence Plan to Boost Maritime Cooperation
On August 7, the Philippines and the US reaffirmed their longstanding defence partnership after senior military officials signed the 2027 Mutual Defense Board–Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) Plan of Activities, outlining expanded bilateral engagements to strengthen military interoperability and address evolving regional security challenges.
Indonesia Tightens Maritime Security After Following Major Drug Smuggling Cases
On August 9, Indonesia announced plans to strengthen maritime security and inter-agency cooperation after authorities intercepted a foreign vessel carrying nearly 1.3 tonnes of ketamine, highlighting concerns over the country being used as a transit route for transnational drug trafficking.
Vietnam Tightens Weapons of Mass Destruction Controls, Backing ASEAN Non-Proliferation Psuh
On August 8, Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly reviewed a draft law on the prevention and control of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), seeking to strengthen the country’s legal framework for preventing the spread of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and related delivery systems.
Malaysia to Increase Defence Budget as Military Modernisation Accelerates
Christopher Hubenthal)
On August 7, Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government intends to increase defence spending under Budget 2027 to strengthen the Malaysian Armed Forces’ (MAF) operational readiness and accelerate its long-term modernisation programme.
Thailand School Shooting Leaves Seven Dead, Renewing Calls for Tougher Gun Controls
On August 7, at least seven people were killed and 23 others injured after a 14-year-old student opened fire at his home and later at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Bang Kruai district, Nonthaburi Province. This is one of Thailand’s deadliest school shootings in recent years.
Myanmar’s Protracted Crisis Has Become a Defining Test of ASEAN’s Regional Diplomacy
ASEAN’s renewed calls for broader humanitarian access, the unconditional release of detained political figures in Myanmar on August 3 and support for a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned peace process have once again highlighted the bloc’s reliance on the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as its principal framework for engagement. Its continued reaffirmation at successive summits and ministerial meetings has increasingly raised questions over ASEAN’s strategic integrity, credibility and centrality in responding to one of the region’s most enduring security challenges.