Jati-Journal Of Southeast Asian Studies (Volume 25(1))Editorial Note

Abstract

The latest volume of JATI offers an eclectic mix of scholarship all contributed by writers based in the region. The issue ranges from a discussion of the widespread modern concern with social media, online news sites and the potential for disinformation that Emy Gianan addresses in her work on regional disinformation trends to early maritime contacts between Bengal and the region discussed by Sharmin Akhtar and Hanizah Idris. Several of the contributions address political and economic problems that currently beset all modern and developing societies in the era of the fourth industrial revolution: Amri Dunan & Bambang Mudjiyanto discuss Indonesia’s public relations; Ahmed Azrie Ahmed Barie and his colleagues consider the prospects for Malaysia’s fiscal deficit while O.K. Osekita considers Cambodia’s environmental politics; Ara Joy Uy Pacoma and her colleagues consider economic recovery plans in a Philippine municipality while Lenis Aislinn C. Separa and her associates assess the problems facing those learning English, the language of the fourth industrial revolution, also in the Philippines. Elsewhere, the issue addresses themes specific to the distinctive cultural heritage of South East Asia. Thus Mohammad Fuad Abdullah and his team offer insight into the traditional knowledge and use of natural resources by indigenous orang asli in Malaysia; Shazlin A. Hamzah & Adil Johan assses the role of popular song in establishing Malaysian social identity from the 1950s to the 1990s and Calyd T. Cerio assesses the impact of Abularyo folk healing beliefs on health care in the Partido district of the Phillippines. Regular readers of the journal are likely to find amongst this wide ranging collection something to stimulate and broaden their awareness of the region’s uniquely rich culture.