Heinrich Böll Stiftung Southeast Asia

ASEAN Regional Press Review, September 2025
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Indonesia’s Gado-Gado Foreign Policy – A Look at Developments Under Prabowo Subianto’s Leadership | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, should have assumed a leadership role in the region. However, under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, its policies and agreements with the Unit...

#Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, should have assumed a leadership role in the region. However, under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, its policies and agreements with the United States and China lack of direction, impacting the #ASEAN as a whole. bit.ly/3Iv7H0k

The strong claims of effective waste management by the Western and some developed countries came into question after #Indonesia experienced an influx of foreign waste coinciding with China’s decision to close its doors. bit.ly/466XQqN

#plasticwaste #ecology #environment #pollution

YouTube video by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Southeast Asia Seeds of Tradition: The Food Security of the Baduy People

In the mountains of West Java, Indonesia, the Baduy people live by ancient traditions centered on food, land, and nature. They practice dryland rice farming and follow strict customs to maintain food security in a changing world.

Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktkW...

Our newest documentary video is coming soon!

It will take you to Baduy indigenous community in Indonesia. It presents the practice, preservation, passing down of indigenous traditional knowledge on food security in this changing world.

Find more of our videos at th.boell.org

Part of our work in Southeast Asia is political observation includes this monthly overview of regional and international news media. We have recently added a special section on developments regarding German/ EU & Southeast Asia/ ASEAN relations.

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Southeast Asia’s deepening ties with BRICS signal a move to diversify partnerships and amplify their voice in global governance.

Read full article: bit.ly/3HTBqzJ

#regionaldialogue #BRICS #SoutheastAsia #Geopolitics

This article by Christopher Leow explores how urban farmings are not just about growing food, but about cultivating community, ecology, and a sustainable future.

Read full article: th.boell.org/en/2025/08/2...

#urbanfarming #singapore #food #sustainability

After years of deliberation, #ASEAN is set to adopt the ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment (ADER) at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025.

bit.ly/4fRxtZd

#environment #sustainability #southeastasia

Sediment-Trapping Weirs: Why Community Consultation and Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Must Come First | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia A transboundary Kok River in Northern Thailand has been a source of livelihood of thousands in riverine communities. Recently, it has faced rising levels of heavy metal contamination, likely from susp...

A transboundary Kok River in Northern Thailand has been a source of livelihood of thousands in riverine communities. Recently, it has faced rising levels of heavy metal contamination, likely from suspected unregulated rare earth mining upstream in Myanmar. bit.ly/3ITFa4q

Breaking Silence | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia In Malaysia, where LGBTIQA+ identities are often pushed into the shadows, speaking out is an act of defiance, pride is not just a celebration - it is a quiet act of resistance. Breaking Silence is a p...

In Malaysia, where #LGBTIQA+ identities are often pushed into the shadows, speaking out is an act of defiance, pride is not just a celebration - it is a quiet act of resistance. Breaking Silence is a powerful reflection on survival, resistance, and the quiet resistance of community. bit.ly/3TRQeRX

In A Turbulent World, ASEAN Needs to Do Its Internal Homework | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia ASEAN is navigating turbulent waters. As US-China tensions escalate and Trump's return brings a new wave of tariffs, Southeast Asia’s hard-won gains are under threat. Once a quiet beneficiary of trade...

Once a quiet beneficiary of trade diversion, #ASEAN now faces shrinking space for neutrality. ASEAN needs to hunker down and address its chronic weaknesses – as well as look beyond the big powers. bit.ly/3GSbW5l

#SoutheastAsia #Geopolitics #Trade #USTariffs

In Every Shade of Pride: Revisiting Its Past and Present in Southeast Asia | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia From bold parades to quiet acts of resistance, Pride in Southeast Asia reflects diverse local realities and carries layered meanings – from political activism and visibility to celebration and communi...

Pride month is over. We’re publishing this article as we’ve seen colorful celebrations across the world including some in Southeast. The region’s Pride reflects diverse local realities and carries layered meanings—from political activism and visibility to celebration and community.

Smart or Destructive? Reflections on MDBs’ Critical Minerals Agenda | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia Despite the claims of the CM2CET’s frameworks, civil society organizations, environmental defenders, and communities are raising urgent concerns. Beneath the “green and sustainable” promises, climate-...

This article critiques the illusion of sustainability and calls instead for real climate justice centered on degrowth, reduced consumption in the Global North, and a truly circular economy. bit.ly/4jFXj2x

YouTube video by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Southeast Asia Promoting Environmental Awareness through 'Waste to Art' – Interview with Wishulada Panthanuvong

Ms. Wishulada Panthanuvong, a Thai artist, social activist, and founder of the social enterprise Turn to Art Company/WISHULADA. She transforms waste materials into meaningful art and product designs—raising awareness of environmental issues through regenerative art and design.

bit.ly/3H3cjtP

Reimagining the River: Cases from Selected Southeast Asian Countries | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia Healthy river ecosystems are vital for life. This article presents an innovative approach that fosters positive impacts on the ecological health of rivers, promoting the long-term sustainability of bo...

Healthy river ecosystems are vital for life. This article presents an innovative approach that fosters positive impacts on the ecological health of rivers, promoting the long-term sustainability of both social well-being and riverine environments from selected SEA countries. bit.ly/3Fl44bV

The Resiliency of Mekong Riverbank Gardeners Amidst Uncertainties | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia The Mekong riverbank gardening is a critical part of local livelihoods. It supports riverine communities through vital food production, reciprocal exchanges, and additional income generation. However,...

The resilience of the riverbank gardener in this story shows that lived experiences could help prepare for the worst-case scenarios when changes are unpredictable. But only time will tell how their fate will unfold.

#ecology #mekongriver #naturalresources #gardening #soil #water

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The 2025 Philippine Midterm Elections: More Than Just a Rehearsal for 2028 Presidential Polls | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia The Philippine midterm elections may serve as a tie-breaker between the Marcos and Duterte dynasties. The 12 elected senators will determine Sara Duterte’s fate – whether it ends her political career ...

The Philippine midterm elections may serve as a tie-breaker between the Marcos and Duterte dynasties. The 12 elected senators will determine Sara Duterte’s fate – whether it ends her political career or signals a Duterte comeback.

bit.ly/3Z6NHpR

#Philippines #SouthChinaSea #ASEAN #EU #FTA

Fractured Authority and Resource Politics in Myanmar: New Report on Rare Earth Mining | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia The mining of rare earths is not just about international raw materials policy, as a new study from Myanmar shows. It is also about environmental justice, local governance and the future of the civil ...

The mining of rare earths is not just about international raw materials policy, as a new study from Myanmar shows. It is also about environmental justice, local governance and the future of the civil war-torn country. #criticalminerals #naturalresources #ecology #humanrights

bit.ly/42PQV25

Indigenous Peoples Demand Reform of Global Certification Systems | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia Thirty two Indigenous leaders from thirteen countries have issued a  declaration calling for fundamental reforms to global certification schemes that impact Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

Thirty two Indigenous leaders from thirteen countries have issued a declaration calling for fundamental reforms to global certification schemes that impact Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

Read full press release and download full declaration in the link here: bit.ly/42NF2Kh

Earthcare as Ecological Sovereignty for Planetary Survival: Feminist Political Wisdom of Nusantara in Contemporary Indonesia | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia In the face of widespread destructions – ecological, economic, geopolitical, and even health crises- returning to Nature may hold the key to Earth’s survival. Deeply rooted in feminist and Indigenous ...

𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥: 𝐅𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐚

In the face of widespread destructions – ecological, economic, geopolitical, and even health crises- returning to Nature may hold the key to Earth’s survival.

#Ecofeminism

Treasures and Tragedies: Discourses and Narratives on Critical Minerals in Southeast Asia | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia

𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚
This web dossier provides #SoutheastAsian perspectives through different forms of analyses by looking into different facets of #criticalminerals in the region. bit.ly/42h0l6L
#transitionminerals

Global Circular Economy | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia A circular economy can help mitigate the negative effects of our resource consumption and reduce the massive dependence on raw materials from other countries. The study sets out what needs to be consi...

E-Pare on Global Circular Economy
Reflections for a Just Transition

#ClimateChange #Economy #GreenEconomy #NaturalResources #SocialJustice

th.boell.org/en/2025/03/0...

Let's celebrate this International Women's Day on 8th March 2025 in peace and solidarity!

𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞. This dossier is a collaborative effort of Heinrich Böll Foundation offices, and our partner organizations worldwide to highlight the diversity of agroecological initiatives within our global network. Check out here bit.ly/4i3ne47

Reading with the Rivers: Community Learning Centers for Ecological Conservation of the Mekong Heinrich Böll Stiftung Southeast Asia Regional Office joined a study trip to Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan in northeastern Thailand, organized by The Mekong Butterfly – a civic group that promotes conservation and protection of natural resources, environment and ecology in the Mekong basin. We learned about local initiatives of establishing Community Learning Centers to promote rehabilitation of ecosystems of the Mekong River and its tributary the Songkhram River. Throughout our journey, representatives of the learning centers spoke to us about the importance of wetland ecosystems and biodiversity of these vital rivers for communities’ livelihoods and about ecological changes posed by large-scale projects, including hydropower development. Especially community women play an important role in collecting information and promoting conservation of ecosystems. The centers educate next generations and the public and underline the need for community-driven, inclusive, just and sustainable development. The Mekong is considered as “the river of life” and the Mekong’s people should have the freedom to define how the river’s natural resources should be used, as well as engage in decision-making about their sustainable future. The Mekong Butterfly is one of the hbs Southeast Asia’s long-term partners in promoting ecological and social justice in the region. Languages: Thai (with English Subtitles) Video, Sound, and Editing: Anuscha Engchuan, Tipakson Manpati Content and Interview: Tipakson Manpati Concept: Tipakson Manpati, Daniel Abunales, and Marion Regina Mueller Subtitles: Tipakson Manpati This video is licensed under Creative Commons License (CC-BY-NC-SA-ND 4.0) by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Southeast Asia, 2025. This video is part of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Southeast Asia series on #EcologyAndSocialJustice. For more information, please visit th.boell.org #mekong #mekongriver #songkhramriver #ecology #conservation #communitycenter #local #initiative #thailand #southeastasia #river #environment

The Mekong is considered as “the river of life” and the Mekong’s people should have the freedom to define how the river’s natural resources should be used, as well as engage in decision-making about their sustainable future.

#Mekong #Ecology

Watch the video: bit.ly/3D6k8gn

Our new video "𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐠" is coming out soon!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/3QlzzEx

#Mekong #Ecology #SongkhramRiver #Ecosystem #Conservation #LocalLivelihoods

The Roles of Railways in Promoting Sustainability in Southeast Asia | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia This article explores the 2025 Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) and its partnership with China’s Belt Road Initiative (BRI), which may open the region to more opportunities in commerce, touris...

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚

This article explores the 2025 Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) and its partnership with China’s Belt Road Initiative (BRI).

Full article: bit.ly/3X3p0tu

#regionaldialogue #railway #transportation #SoutheastAsia

Criticality and the Securitization of Southeast Asia’s Indigenous Mineral Resources | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia Southeast Asia’s geographical location is blessed with abundant natural resources – minerals, forests, and wildlife. For hundreds of years, these resources have been a source of livelihood and even li...

𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬

This article discusses the underlying agenda of the global North in exploiting the minerals of the global South at the expense of the Indigenous communities and the peoples. bit.ly/418nuZE

#criticalminerals

Climate Smart-mining: A New Spin on a Familiar Trouble | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Southeast Asia Climate-smart mining appears to be a better alternative to traditional mining, known for its destructive nature. By hyphenating ‘climate’ with smart mining, it is a repackaged tool to attract the mine...

𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞

It appears to be a better alternative to traditional mining, known for its destructive nature. By hyphenating ‘climate’ with smart mining, it is a repackaged tool to attract the mineral-rich but developing countries.

bit.ly/3WZFYJd