Prabowo: Protection of ASEAN Citizens Becomes Top Priority

Cebu, VIVA – President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto has emphasised the importance of protecting citizens and strengthening ASEAN’s role in maintaining world peace. President Prabowo assessed that the safety of citizens must be the primary concern for ASEAN countries amid the current global dynamics.

“Protecting our citizens must remain the top priority,” stated President Prabowo in his speech at the plenary session of the 48th ASEAN Summit held at Mactan Expo, Cebu, Philippines, on Friday, 8 May 2026.

President Prabowo conveyed that many ASEAN countries have thousands of citizens abroad, thus requiring close cooperation and coordination among ASEAN nations.

According to him, a joint ASEAN approach is an important step in strengthening the protection and handling of citizens in emergency situations.

“I believe we must have a common ASEAN approach. Indonesia is willing to work closely with our ASEAN counterparts. Protecting our citizens must remain the top priority,” he said.

President Prabowo also highlighted the importance of respecting the mandate of United Nations (UN) peacekeeping forces. According to the President, the safety of peacekeeping personnel must be guaranteed and respected by all parties involved in conflicts.

“We have lost Indonesian soldiers serving with the United Nations, and we demand accountability that peacekeeping duties must be respected by all parties,” President Prabowo asserted firmly.

President Prabowo also welcomed the spirit of solidarity shown by ASEAN countries in assisting the process of protecting and evacuating citizens. President Prabowo assessed that such collaboration reflects the strong sense of togetherness among ASEAN member states.

“I welcome the example of Singapore, which has offered to also work with other countries if we need to evacuate our citizens,” stated President Prabowo.

Furthermore, President Prabowo emphasised the importance of respecting international law and protecting civilians. President Prabowo asserted that ASEAN must be able to speak with one voice in responding to various violations of international law.

“In protecting our civilians, ASEAN must speak with one voice. We must demand that all parties uphold international law and advance accountability for violations. This is the time for ASEAN to demonstrate its influence. We must have a strong collective political voice,” President Prabowo asserted firmly.