Hello, Globe readers!
This week’s articles focus on the direct effects of political decisions on the local communities in Cambodia, while Indonesian President Jokowi acknowledged past human rights abuses.
Before diving into the features, the team would love to invite you to join the Globe’s reader community by signing up for our limited New Year 50% discount on annual Southeast Asia Globe memberships available until the end of the month.
Unclear national regulations over illegal fishing on Tonle Sap lake in Cambodia have forced hundreds of villagers to give up their fishing businesses for fear of a crackdown. Globe’s Anton L. Delgado, in collaboration with The Third Pole, reported how families from the floating villages have to resort to alternative sources of income to avoid repercussions from the authorities if caught fishing in restricted areas.
Communities in remote areas are also those most affected by a recent surge in HIV infections in Cambodia. Globe’s Beatrice Siviero dug into societal and political reasons behind this rise and the crucial issue of high-risk groups’ participation in policy-making.
In the meantime, in Indonesia, President Joko Widodo expressed regret over the human rights violations across the country between 1960 and 2000 sparking criticism among several human rights activists. They argued that acknowledging the facts is not enough; they want apologies.
Enjoy the articles, and have a good weekend.