Indonesia Calls for Stronger ASEAN Collaboration Amid Global Power Shifts

Kuala Lumpur: Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized the importance of ASEAN's collective efforts and strategies if it is to remain relevant in the face of increasingly complex global geopolitical and geoeconomic pressures. This was conveyed during the plenary session of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia July 9.

"Currently, we are at a very crucial point. Geopolitical rivalries and global protectionist trends continue to escalate and risk eroding regional unity and relevance. Geopolitical and geoeconomic issues can no longer be separated. If ASEAN wants to remain relevant, it must be able to face all of this," said Foreign Minister Sugiono, quoted from Kemlu.go.id, Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

Sugiono highlighted the 2024 UNCTAD report, which showed a decline in global investment across various strategies. However, ASEAN remains a bright spot with a 10% increase in FDI flows.

"This demonstrates growing investor confidence. ASEAN must remain an anchor of stability and a magnet for sustainable investment," Minister Sugiono emphasized.

Indonesia also fully supports the work of the ASEAN Geoeconomic Task Force in developing strategic policy options for discussion at the leadership level.

"We need to transform our vision into concrete actions that strengthen ASEAN centrality and establish a stable regional architecture," Foreign Minister Sugiono concluded. In this regard, Foreign Minister Sugiono views the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 as a priority.

In his speech, Foreign Minister Sugiono also reiterated his support for Timor-Leste's full membership process in ASEAN.

"The decision has been made at the leadership level. Now is the time for us to make it happen," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

Indonesia itself has implemented various capacity-building programs to support Timor-Leste's readiness to become a full member of ASEAN.

At the same time, Foreign Minister Sugiono reiterated President Prabowo Subianto's proposal at the 46th ASEAN Summit regarding enhancing partnerships with Papua New Guinea (PNG). "As an ASEAN observer since 1976, PNG has a strategic and cultural affinity with the region," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

Foreign Minister Sugiono also highlighted the importance of revitalizing the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). "The TAC must remain relevant to the challenges of the times, including by strengthening the TAC's preventive diplomatic function," he emphasized.

Foreign Minister Sugiono concluded his statement by emphasizing that ASEAN's credibility will be determined by the alignment of its values ??and the appropriateness of its actions. "Let us build an ASEAN that is not only resilient and cohesive, but also visionary, inclusive, and forward-looking," concluded Sugiono.

The AMM meeting was attended by the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN, Timor-Leste, and the ASEAN Secretary-General. The Myanmar delegation was represented by a non-political representative. The meeting resulted in several agreed documents, including (1) the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Decision to Enhance ASEAN Relations with External Parties; (2) the 58th AMM Joint Communiqué; (3) AICHR Five-Year Work Plan 2026-2030; (4) AICHR Priority Programs 2026; and (5) AICHR Annual Report 2025.

For your information, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Decision to Enhance ASEAN Relations with External Parties is an Indonesian initiative. This decision aims to encourage ASEAN to be more proactive in engaging with its partners, in line with ASEAN's interests and centrality.