Indonesia Urges ASEAN to Bolster Preparedness for Global Crises

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has urged ASEAN to strengthen its collective resilience and preparedness in facing increasingly complex global dynamics that have a direct impact on communities in the region. “Developments outside the region are increasingly bringing direct consequences to the lives of our people. Therefore, ASEAN must be more prepared and able to respond collectively,” Sugiono said during the retreat session of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Manila, Philippines, on Tuesday, as stated in a written release. Indonesia is pushing for various ASEAN commitments to be translated into concrete coordination and steps, particularly in strengthening food and energy security, maintaining the smooth flow of supply chains, and enhancing the region’s preparedness for various forms of disruption. During the retreat, ASEAN foreign ministers exchanged views on global developments and a number of strategic regional issues, including the situations in Myanmar and the South China Sea. Regarding Myanmar, Indonesia reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN’s continued engagement and encouragement of an inclusive process in line with the Five-Point Consensus. Foreign Minister Sugiono underscored the importance of maintaining ASEAN unity and resolving various regional challenges through dialogue, constructive engagement, and peaceful means. “The turmoil around us may be beyond our control. However, ASEAN’s ability to maintain unity, strengthen resilience, and protect the interests of the people in the region is in our own hands,” he concluded. The AMM Retreat is part of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Plus Ministerial Meeting under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship. The meeting is intended to discuss regional and international developments as well as ASEAN’s collective measures in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.