Indonesia reaffirms commitment to reinforcing ASEAN unity, centrality

Although ASEAN member states have differences, we continue to communicate, cooperate, and find common ground,

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening ASEAN’s unity, resilience, and leadership in addressing complex regional and global challenges.

Arrmanatha made the statement during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Manila on Saturday (November 14), marking his first appearance at the meeting since assuming office as Indonesia’s foreign minister.

Amid growing global divisions and geopolitical tensions, Arrmanatha emphasized that internal solidarity remained the bloc’s main source of strength.

“Although ASEAN member states have differences, we continue to communicate, cooperate, and find common ground,” he said, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Addressing regional conflicts, Arrmanatha stressed that the ongoing crisis in Myanmar required collective commitment and coordinated action to restore lasting peace and stability.

He noted that a cohesive, credible, and effective approach was essential to supporting Myanmar.

To strengthen the regional security architecture, Indonesia underscored the importance of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) as a cornerstone of regional peace and stability.

Indonesia continues to advocate an amendment to the treaty to formally accommodate Timor-Leste’s membership in ASEAN.

Beyond internal solidarity, Arrmanatha highlighted the importance of strong external partnerships in delivering tangible benefits to people across the region.

“Cooperation with dialogue partners will enhance our capabilities and resources while creating broader opportunities,” he said.

As an example, he pointed to ASEAN’s emerging partnership with Türkiye, which offers new opportunities for cooperation in connectivity, energy, and education.

Meanwhile, closer cooperation with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is expected to strengthen maritime resilience and build the capacity of coastal communities, in line with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

On the international stage, Arrmanatha expressed Indonesia’s ambition to strengthen ASEAN’s global standing.

He also sought support from fellow ASEAN member states for Indonesia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2029–2030 term, as well as for its candidate for the position of World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General for the 2027–2032 term.

Concluding his remarks, Arrmanatha stressed that ASEAN must remain proactive in responding to future developments, including by contributing to international governance frameworks for artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure its responsible use.

“ASEAN must remain united, prioritize dialogue, strengthen resilience through concrete cooperation, and ensure that its voice is heard on the global stage,” he said.

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Translator: Yashinta Difa
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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