Minister Sugiono Urges ASEAN to Deliver on Its Promises

Manila: Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono called on ASEAN to translate its commitments into tangible results during the plenary session of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Manila, Philippines.
 
“ASEAN has proven that it is capable of evolving. The more challenging question now is: can ASEAN deliver on its promises?” Foreign Minister Sugiono said as quoted from Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement, Tuesday July 21, 2026.
 
As an example, Sugiono pointed towards the long-awaited Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, stressing the need for ASEAN to ensure its effective and substantive finalization by the end of the year.
 
“Our people have waited 24 years for these rules. They should not have to wait another year. A region governed by law will always be stronger than one governed by power,” he said.
 
During the session, Sugiono also highlighted Indonesia’s proposal to establish an ASEAN Heads of Consular Affairs Division Forum to strengthen coordination on the protection of ASEAN citizens abroad, particularly during times of conflicts and emergency.
 
Additionally, he urged ASEAN to center its partnerships with external parties on the region’s concrete needs, such as crisis response, food and energy security, and supply chain resilience.
 
With the 60th anniversary of ASEAN approaching in 2027, Indonesia continues to advocate for the strengthening of ASEAN’s mandate and resources to better align with the ambitions of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
 
“The real work has just begun. Ultimately, the question is not how far ASEAN has progressed, but whether our people can truly reap the benefits,” Foreign Minister Sugiono said.
 
The 59th AMM is being held in Manila from July 20 to 24, 2026. The event brings together ASEAN foreign ministers and external partners to discuss ASEAN Community development, external relations, and regional and global issues. As the host nation, the Philippines will hold the ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
 
The meeting will adopt several key documents, including the Joint Communiqué, a comprehensive document reflecting regional decisions, positions on international developments, and core priorities; the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Latest Situation in the Middle East; the Guidelines on the Modalities for Engagement of ASEAN with High Contracting Parties to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia; Guidelines on TAC Accession; and the List of Criteria and Indicators for ASEAN Dialogue Partnerships.
 
The 59th AMM will also mark the official acceptance of Türkiye as an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner. The move is expected to foster concrete cooperation that contributes to the development of the ASEAN Community.
 
(Jonathan Sianto)