In-depth analysis and insight on Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Indonesia's newly passed law shielding Danantara sovereign wealth fund bond investors from scrutiny has alarmed compliance experts, who argue the broad protections could facilitate money laundering.
Indonesian authorities have dismantled a significant drug smuggling operation at Jakarta's main airport, arresting four foreign nationals and seizing etomidate valued at RM22.7 million across three cases between February and May.
Jakarta authorities have detained ex-minister Roy Suryo and health activist Tifa Tyassuma on defamation charges related to claims questioning former president Joko Widodo's university diploma, intensifying a controversy that has simmered since 2019.
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Southeast Asia advances on multiple fronts this week: Indonesia targets 80% waste resolution by 2029, Myanmar maize exports attract Chinese interest, Philippines intensifies police accountability, and Singapore's football academies see enrolment surges.
MSCI has raised fresh transparency concerns about Indonesia's financial markets, citing poor visibility in ownership data and coordinated trading behaviour. The index provider will decide next week whether to downgrade Indonesia's classification, a move that could trigger $13 billion in outflows.
Indonesia's free nutritious meal programme for 61 million students and pregnant women faces growing calls for suspension and review due to persistent food poisoning incidents, transparency failures, and allegations that it diverts education funds.