Conclusion

From the five blog posts above, we have attempted to critically examine the various issues that are common in Southeast Asia. One common theme that lies beneath all the issues discussed is the fact that boundaries are getting increasingly indistinct, for example physical, cultural and social boundaries. Certain ideas and concepts may have been attempted to be classified into clear-cut categories, but as society develops and evolves, it has been increasingly difficult to separate these issues as they are interlinked with one another. Issues found in a country like Indonesia are not just applicable to Indonesia per se, but are also closely intertwined with other Southeast Asian countries, only in a different context. There have always been many sides to an issue and the seemingly obvious may have subtle underlying contradictions to it.

All in all, there is more to Indonesia and Southeast Asia as a region than what is seemingly presented on the surface. Thus, it is essential to be able to identify the underlying issues that are presented. Because of these less well-defined boundaries, we are more inclined to appreciate the various cultures and people that Southeast Asia has to offer.