Do ethnic bonds matter in Jakarta's ties with neighbours?

Common Malay heritage should not override strategic importance of Asean and the archipelagic 'triangle' involving Singapore and Malaysia

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Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's return to the Malaysian premiership promises to reshape relations among Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

No matter how this change occurs, what is important is that every side of this regional triangular relationship must remember that it needs the others in order for all to do well.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 11, 2018, with the headline Do ethnic bonds matter in Jakarta's ties with neighbours?. Subscribe