Indonesia supports Philippines in changing ASEAN meeting format due to Middle East conflict

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia has stated its support for the Philippines’ decision, as the current ASEAN chair this year, to adjust the format of the ASEAN meeting agenda in light of the impact of the conflict in the Middle East.

Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu), Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela, confirmed that the Philippine government, as the host of the ASEAN Summit, has made adjustments to the implementation of the ASEAN agenda, including changing the format of several meeting events to online sessions.

“Indonesia, as a member state, will certainly adapt to what has been determined by the current chair,” said Nabyl in response to questions from ANTARA after a media briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He also assured that the steps taken by the Philippine government were done in consultation with all ASEAN member countries.

According to a report from the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu will still be held on 8-9 May 2026, but with significant simplification in its organisation due to the Middle East conflict.

Marcos said the decision was taken based on consultations with Southeast Asian leaders after considering a postponement of the ASEAN Summit.

He stated that the 48th ASEAN Summit will be conducted in a “very simple” manner, focusing on three main aspects: oil, food, and migrant labour.

According to the Philippine President, the upcoming ASEAN Summit will be important for helping ASEAN leaders determine what can be done in the future, how ASEAN can support each other, and how ASEAN should take a stance on the occurring dynamics.

Meanwhile, the 49th ASEAN Summit, to be held in Pasay City on 10-12 November 2026, is “tentatively” still proceeding, as the important agenda will be attended by world leaders, Marcos said.

In addition, the Philippine government has decided that the series of preparatory meetings ahead of the 48th and 49th ASEAN Summits will be conducted online, with the Department of Foreign Affairs instructed to make the necessary adjustments.