Seminar: Rule of Law in Southeast Asia -What it means and how it works in Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar

The rule of law is widely recognized as an indispensable foundation for a just and fair society within a country, as well as the basis for an international order consisting of friendly and equal relations among nations. Although there are various theories on the definition of "rule of law", its core is, generally, the concept that recognizes the supremacy of law over all powers, thereby eliminating the arbitrary control of power and protecting individual freedom and rights.

However, our world, which seemed to have developed on the basis of these principles, has in recent years witnessed coups d'état, the collapse of democratic governments, wars and armed conflicts, resulting in the loss of freedom and lives of many people. Is the rule of law now in retreat, both domestically and internationally? Are we witnessing the return of individual power to rule over the law?

This seminar will focus on three Southeast Asian countries, namely Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar, which have been attracting much political attention in recent years, to explore the realities of the rule of law in the region. Three experts will discuss the current situation and challenges of the rule of law on the ground, contextualizing the concept and reflecting on the socio-political dynamics in each country and in the region.

How is the rule of law perceived in these countries?
What are the challenges facing the rule of law in each country?
What is its relationship to politics?

These are the questions we will be exploring at the seminar. We look forward to your active participation.

15:00-15:05 Opening Remarks
Miyahara Chie, director general, JICA Ogata Research Institute
15:05-15:10 Introduction of Speakers
15:10-16:10 Rule of Law and Politics in Southeast Asian Countries

15:10-15:30 Myanmar
　Nick Cheesman, associate professor, Australian National University
15:30-15:50 Thailand
　Toyama Ayako, associate professor, University of Tsukuba
15:50-16:10 Indonesia
　Honna Jun, professor, Ritsumeikan University

16:10-16:55 Panel Discussion and Q&A
Moderator:
Arai Makiko, research fellow, JICA Ogata Research Institute

Panelists:
Nick Cheesman, associate professor, Australian National University
Toyama Ayako, associate professor, University of Tsukuba
Honna Jun, Ritsumeikan University

16:55-17:00 Closing

JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development（Ms. Imai）
E-mail：ditas-rsunit@jica.go.jp

Please pre-register by noon on Thursday, June 20, from the link below.