Human trafficking in Southeast Asia is still rampant as revealed by the United States (US) State Department’s latest annual Trafficking in Persons report. Dubbed by the US State Department as the “the world's most comprehensive resource of governmental anti-human trafficking efforts,” the report shows that human trafficking is still a massive problem in Asia. In the report, countries are placed under different tiers based on their efforts in combating human trafficking.

President Donald Trump’s moves to protect United States (US) trade interests are creating unusual bedfellows in Asia.India and China, longstanding economic and strategic rivals, are seeing a thaw in relations less than a year after the most serious border flare-up since a war in 1962 threatened ties between the two Asian giants.Since May, China has made it easier for India to export non-Basmati rice, removed import duties on anti-cancer drugs and agreed to share data that predicts river flows

Cambodian premier, Hun Sen who has held on to power for over 30 years, is now a “fully fledged military dictator” according to a new report by the Human Rights Watch (HRW). The report also highlighted the entrenched militaristic ties that Hun Sen has nurtured and developed with 12 individuals that became the “backbone” of his autocratic regime.

Tomorrow, the world’s third-largest democracy, Indonesia will head to the polls. The regional elections – locally known as the Pemilihan Kepala Daerah or Pilkada for short – will take place in 171 regions throughout the country. Over 152 million voters across Indonesia will elect their governors, regents and mayors, for 17 provinces, 115 regencies and 39 cities.

Indonesia’s most populous province is set to go to the polls in what’s shaping up as a test of President Joko Widodo’s popularity and a potential springboard for his rivals ahead of next year’s presidential election.More than 30 million people are expected to vote in West Java’s gubernatorial election Wednesday in a contest between two former generals, the sitting deputy governor and the provincial capital’s popular mayor.

Indonesia scored a rousing diplomatic victory in its bid to serve as a non-permanent member on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2019-20. Jakarta secured its place for the Asia Pacific Group seat following a run-off with the Maldives which saw them garner 144 votes against 46.As a non-permanent member, Indonesia is bound by significant constraints within the structure of the UNSC. However, there is still plenty of room for Indonesia to flex its diplomatic muscles.

Today, diplomacy is still the preferred tool of international relations. Global multilateralism has seen the rise of regional intergovernmental organisations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which has served as a vital diplomatic instrument in enhancing regional cooperation and fostering unity within the Asia Pacific. ASEAN has always been a mixed bag of sorts to diplomats and observers alike.

Marriage is a life-defining moment for a young woman. For Melody Alan, that moment came when she was 21, fresh out of college and in love.

Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency has been nothing short of controversial. Ever since he was elected as the 16th President of the Philippines two years ago, he has drawn criticism from activists and leaders the world over. Most recently, Duterte was condemned for forcibly kissing an overseas Filipina worker on the lips during a live event.This latest controversy encapsulates Duterte’s reign well – he will do what he wants, whenever he wants, regardless if the whole world is watching.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha said his military government is committed to holding an election early next year, and that he may clarify his political future in September.The pending coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn won’t affect the plan for a poll possibly in February, Prayuth said in an interview.