🌏 Deals, data, and dreams: Southeast Asia’s week of awakening
From extradition breakthroughs to Jakarta’s digital leap, the region navigated reform, reflection, and a restless Gen Z
Your curated wrap-up from The Southeast Asia Desk.
🌐 ASEAN seals landmark extradition treaty
After nearly two decades of discussion, ASEAN members finally signed a regional extradition treaty to curb transnational crime and corruption. Observers call it a historic step for regional justice — though questions linger over enforcement and political will. Read more
🇮🇩🇺🇸 U.S. and Indonesia explore policy reforms
Washington and Jakarta are deepening cooperation on governance and economic modernization. Talks at the bilateral policy forum focused on bureaucracy reform, green transition, and inclusive digital economy growth — setting the tone for a new phase in U.S.–Indonesia relations. Read more
🏙️ Jakarta ranks 20th globally in data center construction costs
Jakarta now ranks 20th globally for data center construction costs, making Indonesia one of the more competitive markets in the Asia Pacific. Despite lower construction costs compared with Singapore and Tokyo, AI-driven demand is pushing up operational and design costs by 2–3×. Read more
🎮 Indonesia’s gaming boom fights for fair play
Indonesia’s gaming sector continues to expand rapidly — but industry insiders warn that unequal revenue-sharing and weak intellectual property protections are holding local developers back from achieving global success. Check out more in our weekly podcast. Listen more
💤 The Southeast Asian sleep paradox
A new survey by Ikea reveals that Southeast Asians love sleep more than any other region — yet get some of the least of it. Despite valuing rest highly, the region’s fast-paced urban life and “always-on” work culture have created a striking gap between attitude and reality. Read more
🧠 FPCI’s Global Town Hall 2025: Rethinking globalization
At the annual Global Town Hall hosted by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia, speakers from around the world debated the future of globalization, governance, and global citizenship amid rising protectionism. Read more
💡 The new FOMO: Gen Zs in Southeast Asia
Gen Z across Southeast Asia is redefining ambition, belonging, and mental health. A new regional study shows how “FOMO” — the fear of missing out — is evolving into a drive for meaning, connection, and authenticity. The new op-ed from Dentsu Singapore delves more into this matter. Read more
🎶 Weekend Brew: Indonesia’s musical festival scene hits a high note
The Musical Festival Indonesia 2025 brought together more than 80 applicants, with only 12 selected to perform. With local artists gaining the spotlight and audiences returning in droves, musical theatre is once again the heartbeat of the archipelago. Read more
✨ Stories to linger over, one week at a time.
(QOB/ELS)