The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict has emerged as the primary geopolitical concern among Southeast Asians, according to the State of Southeast 2024 Survey conducted by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute's Asean Studies Centre. The survey, which engaged 1,994 respondents from across the region, revealed that the conflict resonated deeply with Southeast Asia's population. This is particularly significant given that more than 40% of the region's population are Muslims, primarily residing in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
The survey highlighted the Israel-Gaza war as the leading issue, surpassing the long-standing South China Sea dispute that previously dominated regional concerns. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and global scam operations tied for third place in priority among respondents. The geopolitical tensions in Gaza have not only influenced domestic politics in Muslim-majority countries within Southeast Asia but also sparked divisive views throughout the region.
Countries like Singapore, where Muslims constitute approximately 15% of the population, have recognized the Israel-Gaza conflict as a major concern for their governments. In response to Hamas' attacks on Israel, Singapore and the Philippines issued swift condemnations, reflecting their official stance. Conversely, Indonesia and Malaysia have expressed solidarity with the Palestinians, illustrating a spectrum of official positions on the conflict within Southeast Asia during its initial stages.
The significance of the Israel-Gaza war in Southeast Asia is underscored by its impact on domestic politics, particularly in countries with substantial Muslim populations. This development has led to varied responses from governments across the region and has become a focal point of discussion in political and social arenas.
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