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November 20, 2009
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Fabio Scarpello

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Fabio Scarpello is a journalist and a political analyst based in Southeast Asia. He writes in Italian and English and focuses mostly on current affairs and politics, with special attention paid to religious conflicts, internal conflicts and terrorism.

Fabio is currently the correspondent in Southeast Asia for the Italian press agency AdnKronos International and contributes regularly to a number of international publications, including Asia Times, Today Singapore, the South China Morning Post and The Jakarta Post.

Fabio's articles have also appeared in the Asahi Shimbun-International Herald Tribune (Japan), The New Internationalist, Index On Censorship, Jane’s Foreign Policy (United Kingdom), Tapei Times (South Korea), Dawn (Pakistan), la Repubblica, Diario (Italy), Irrawadddy (Thailand-Myanmar), The Christian Science Monitor (United States) and many more.

He also comments weekly on radio programs for the Special Broadcasting Service (Australia) and Radio Radicale (Italy). Fabio has been interviewed by several other radio and TV outlets, including the BBC World Service.

Articles written by Fabio Scarpello

Yudhoyono's Legacy Tied to Corruption Commission Battle

By Fabio Scarpello 10 Nov 2009 | World Politics Review DENPASAR, Indonesia -- The peaceful re-election of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono this year added yet another layer of political stability to Indonesia's democratization process. But a battle between the country's anti-corruption commission and the Attorney General's Office is an indicator of some of the difficulties the country still faces, and could be a legacy-defining moment for Yudhoyono.

Indonesian Presidential Election a Watershed Vote

By Fabio Scarpello 06 Jul 2009 | World Politics Review DENPASAR, Indonesia -- As the roughly 171 million Indonesians eligible to vote get ready to elect their new president, their choice is likely to steer the future trajectory of Indonesia well beyond the next five years. This election is likely to be the last dominated by figures who played a role in the New Order regime, as former dictator Suharto's tenure from 1965 to 1998 was called.

Despite Problems, Indonesia's Democracy Matures

By Fabio Scarpello 02 Apr 2009 | World Politics Review DENPASAR, Indonesia -- A veil of skepticism has descended over Indonesia's democracy as the country prepares to vote in legislative elections on April 9. But although votes will be cast under the shadow of serious problems and deficiencies, there is also reason for optimism. Viewed in the historical context of Indonesia's democratization, what stands out is the constant progress that has been made.

Aceh Peace Threatened by 'Democracy Deficit'

By Fabio Scarpello 11 Mar 2009 | World Politics Review DENPASAR, Indonesia -- Not very long ago, many observers considered Aceh, Indonesia's formerly war-torn province, a success story. But a recent rise in political violence has brought long-simmering tensions to a boil and demonstrated that long-term peace is far from ensured. The unhealed wounds of the decades-long violence have exacerbated a "democracy deficit," threatening Aceh's fragile calm.

For Indonesia's President, Standing Up to Islamists Would Be a Political Winner

By Fabio Scarpello 17 Jun 2008 | World Politics Review Exclusive DENPASAR, Indonesia -- Opinion polls indicate that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono remains Indonesia's most popular politician. This is not little comfort for the man who has helmed the country for the last four years and is set to contest for a second term in 2009. But it is not all good news for the former four-star general. Accusations of religious intolerance have continued to gain ground in Indonesia and, in the next few days, Yudhoyono is expected to make two potentially contentious rulings on religious matters.

Ten Years After Suharto, Indonesia is a Glass Half Full

By Fabio Scarpello 21 May 2008 | World Politics Review Exclusive DENPASAR, Indonesia -- Ten years after the fall of Dictator Suharto, is Indonesia's democracy a glass half full or half empty? If one looks only at the news headlines that often portray the country as a hotbed of terrorists, radical Islamists and corrupt politicians, the outlook might seem dire. But Indonesians can be proud of the significant democratic progress the country has made in only a decade -- little more than a blip in the history of a nation.

After First Year, Aceh Governor Struggles to Sustain Peace, Fight Poverty

By Fabio Scarpello 08 May 2008 | World Politics Review Exclusive DENPASAR, Indonesia ---When he took office one year ago, Irwandi Yusuf knew his job was going to be tough. And a little more than one year later, he acknowledges that it is not getting any easier. Irwandi is the first directly elected governor of Aceh, the once war-torn province of Indonesia, and the area worst hit by the December 2004 tsunami. His support base consists mostly of members of the Free Aceh Movement, the former rebel group that laid down its arms in a 2005 peace deal spurred by the tsunami.

After Surprising Elections, True Test of Malaysian Democracy Lies Ahead

By Fabio Scarpello 19 Mar 2008 | World Politics Review Exclusive JAKARTA, Indonesia -- In Malaysia, it is usually quite clear before an election who will win -- and win big. However, the latest vote, on March 8, surprised everyone, with the opposition gaining 37 percent of parliament's 220 seats and winning control of five of the country's 13 states. But the real battle for Malaysia's democracy is to be fought in the next few years, as the opposition tries to prove that it can govern where it has gained power and can deliver on its election promises.

U.S. Diplomat Meets Philippines Rebels Amid Ongoing Controversy Over U.S. Presence

By Fabio Scarpello 28 Feb 2008 | World Politics Review Exclusive DENPASAR, Indonesia -- When the U.S. ambassador to the Philippines, Kristie Kenney, visited the camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Feb. 19, she made modern history. The MILF is the Philippines' largest Islamic rebel group and the one spearheading a decades-long fight for an independent Moro state. The meeting appeared aimed at containing a spate of recent protests against the U.S. military presence in the Philippines, which has been and remains the subject of local controversy.

Poso, Indonesia: Between Islamic Radicalism and Corruption

By Fabio Scarpello 28 Jan 2008 | World Politics Review Exclusive DENPASAR, Indonesia -- One year has made a lot of difference in the sleepy town of Poso, in the Indonesian province of Central Sulawesi. A former stronghold of the regional terror group Jemaah Islamiyah, Indonesian police have rid the area of many jihadists and radical Islamist teachers. The Indonesian government's soft-power offensive that followed the sound of guns is especially noteworthy. But now government corruption risks undermining the success of job training programs in the area.

Battle Over Suharto's Legacy a Test for Modern Indonesia

By Fabio Scarpello 15 Jan 2008 | World Politics Review Exclusive DENPASAR, Indonesia --- Some want him pardoned and remembered as the "Father of Development." Others say his name should forever be linked to the crimes he committed. Almost 10 years since he was deposed by a student-led movement, former dictator Suharto still divides Indonesia. As he teeters on the edge of death in a hospital in Jakarta, the battle over his legacy has begun. The result of the battle will be a strong indicator of the current state of democracy and the rule of law in Indonesia.

High Drama and a Flicker of Hope at the U.N. Climate Conference in Bali

By Fabio Scarpello 17 Dec 2007 | World Politics Review Exclusive NUSA DUA, Indonesia -- The 13th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Bali over the last two weeks, had it all: anger, frustration, intense politicking, drama, tears, and finally a decision, although it was reached one day later than expected. The final document, nailed down on Saturday, is not the whirlwind of change that environmentalists had hoped for, but rather a gentle breeze that may pave the way to a cooler tomorrow in a warming world.

Some Progress, but a Tough Week Remains at Bali Climate Conference

By Fabio Scarpello 10 Dec 2007 | World Politics Review Exclusive NUSA DUA, Indonesia -- As the 13th meeting of the parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change enters its second and final week, there has been mixed progress on the resort island of Bali, where representatives of some 190 countries have converged to plot a roadmap for mitigating global warming when the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. The second week coincides with the arrival of national delegations' ministers and is meant to seal deals negotiated by technicians during the first week.

Sun, Sea and the Environment at U.N. Climate Change Conference in Bali

By Fabio Scarpello 02 Dec 2007 | World Politics Review Exclusive DENPASAR Indonesia -- There is a double set of expectations in Bali this week, where about 15,000 are expected to converge Monday for the 13th meeting of the parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In the wake of terrorist attacks in recent years, locals hope that the 12-day conference shows that the island is again a safe vacation destination. Meanwhile, environmentalists hope the conference it will pave the way for a new deal to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.

Arrest of Philippines Communist Leader Won't Quell Asia's Oldest Rebel Movement

By Fabio Scarpello 11 Sep 2007 | World Politics Review Exclusive DENPASAR, Indonesia -- After 20 years in exile, José María Síson was arrested in Utrecht, Holland, Aug. 28 and charged with ordering the murder of two dissidents of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). Although he now calls himself a "consultant" to Asia's oldest rebel movement, Síson is widely perceived to be the leader of the CPP and its armed wing. Still, scrutiny of the rebellion's history and root causes shows that Síson's arrest is likely to have only minor repercussions.

Indonesian Intelligence Service's Day in Court May Lead to Reform of Agency

By Fabio Scarpello 29 Aug 2007 | World Politics Review Exclusive DENPASAR Indonesia -- The long overdue reform of the murky Indonesian intelligence service, Badan Intelijen Negara (BIN), could be spurred by revelations emerging in the trial of the alleged killer of the country's top human right activist. Munir Said Thalib, known simply as Munir, died from arsenic poisoning while on a flight on Garuda, Indonesia's national airline, from Jakarta to Amsterdam via Singapore on Sept. 7, 2004. Now evidence has come to light that his killing may have been contracted by Indonesian intelligence.

Uneasy Birthdays for Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia

By Fabio Scarpello 10 Aug 2007 | World Politics Review Exclusive DENPASAR, Indonesia -- August is celebration time in Southeast Asia, where Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia are donning their best dresses and marking their respective independence days. However, while parades snake through the streets, fireworks light up the night sky and politicians try to outdo each other with poignant speeches and lists of their countries' achievements, unresolved problems and the emergence of new ones in the three countries are dampening the spirits of average citizens.

Manila's Ambivalence Main Obstacle to Peace in Southern Philippines

By Fabio Scarpello 01 Aug 2007 | World Politics Review Exclusive DENPASAR, Indonesia -- Tension remains high in the Philippines as an investigative team tries to ascertain who beheaded 10 of 14 soldiers killed in a recent encounter between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on the southern island of Basilan July 10. Should the investigators fail to find answers, war could erupt again in the Southern Philippines. If that happens, the Manila government's ambivalent commitment to peace will have to take much of the blame.

East Timor Set for Historic, First Post-Independence Parliamentary Election

By Fabio Scarpello 29 Jun 2007 | World Politics Review Exclusive DILI, East Timor -- All is calm in East Timor, but tension bubbles under the surface in this island state a few days before its first post-independence parliamentary election, slated for June 30. Fourteen parties and coalitions are vying for seats in an election whose only certain outcome is the creation of a meaningful political opposition, and thus potentially a more functional democracy than this former Portuguese colony has ever known. However, only the next few months will tell whether this will lead to stability, or just more trouble.

Deadly Clash Renews Debate Over Abuses by Indonesian Military

By Fabio Scarpello 19 Jun 2007 | World Politics Review Exclusive DENPASAR, Indonesia -- After a military-civilian clash over disputed land in East Java turned deadly last month, outraged locals are urging Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to act decisively in taming trigger-happy soldiers and reigniting the stalled reform of the Indonesian armed forces. The incident also is bound to echo in Washington, where some members of Congress remain uneasy over President George W. Bush's 2005 decision to resume U.S. ties and funding to the Indonesian military.