With a genuine belief that civil society is central to determining the world’s development agenda, the seventh Global Town Hall convened on September 19, drawing over 8,000 people from more than 120 countries and all walks of life.
Category: Economy
Indonesia Prepares Second Phase of 150m-Barrel Russian Oil Deal as Geoeconomics Pressure Mounts
Southeast Asia’s largest economy has confirmed that it will persist with importing Russian crude oil, aiming to secure its energy supply despite heightening economic pressure from Washington.
Southeast Asia’s AI Race Has a Governance Problem
Artificial intelligence (AI) is growing at an unprecedented level, far beyond what humanity can comprehend, much less to control. The brakes on this development must therefore be pulled in the nick of time as the alternative threatens human extinction.
Pax Silica Backed as National Defence, but Experts Warn of Resource and Talent Drain
“In today’s world, economic diplomacy is a national defence by another name,” Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro affirmed during a keynote address at the 2026 Manila Strategy Forum on September 9.
Indonesian President Prabowo Replaces Finance Minister as KPK Probes Land Corruption
On September 14, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto appointed Suahasil Nazara as the new Finance Minister, the same day the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted an operation targeting officials linked to the Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ministry/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN).
A ‘High-Risk, High-Reward Scenario’ Unfold for Southeast Asia Amid Fragmenting World Order
Gregory B. Poling, Senior Fellow and Director for the Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at CSIS, formally opens the 2026 Manila Strategy […]
Laos Leverages China Ties, Courting BRI Partners to Invest
Laos has continued to deepen ties with its long-standing partner China while promoting its investment potential in an attempt to realise its National Socio-Economic Development Plan 2026-2030.
Indonesian President Prabowo Calls for Higher Mitigation Spending After Recent Disasters
On September 7, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called for a significant increase in the budget for disaster mitigation as the government reviews its preparedness following an earthquake in Flores, volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau and forest and land fires in several provinces.
Laos and Belarus Forge Closer Economic Ties, Mineral Mining Investment Opportunities Explored
Laos and Belarus are set to implement their existing pledges into concrete projects, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on September 4.
Growth, Stability and Synergisation Pledged by Indonesia’s Central Bank Governor Nominee
The sole gubernatorial candidate, Destry Damayanti, presented her vision for leading Bank Indonesia (BI) on August 26, pledging to support economic growth and job creation while firmly maintaining the central bank’s independence.