Resource nationalism in Southeast Asia

Renato Lima- de-Oliveira and Susan Kurdli

Chapter 5 in Handbook of Resource Nationalism, 2026, pp 82-96 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Resource nationalism in Southeast Asia reflects the region's diversity of political systems and colonial legacies, and its varied endowment of natural resources, resulting in distinct forms and economic outcomes. This chapter maps the geopolitical landscape of natural resources in the region and examines how different regimes have managed these resources across historical periods. Using major Southeast Asian economies as case studies, it illustrates the spectrum of resource nationalism models found in the region. Malaysia exemplifies an oil-and-gas-driven growth strategy, marked by growing tensions between the federal government and the resource-rich Borneo states where most reserves lie. Indonesia demonstrates a neo-patrimonial, state-centred approach anchored in the dominance of state-owned enterprises. In contrast, the Philippines represents a liberalized, decentralized model with limited state-led resource nationalism, aside from a brief stint in the 1980s. Finally, Singapore, despite being resource-scarce, offers a contrasting case where resource nationalism is expressed through deliberate strategic management of water and land, alongside an ambitious decarbonization agenda. Together, these cases underscore the heterogeneity of resource nationalism in Southeast Asia and highlight the importance of contextual factors in shaping resource governance.

Keywords: Resource Nationalism; Southeast Asia; Malaysia; Indonesia; Philippines; Singapore (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035333431
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