Prabowo's Diplomacy in the Philippines: Inviting ASEAN to Unite and Reminding on Energy-Food Issues

CEBU, KOMPAS.com - President Prabowo Subianto delivered several messages of peace and encouragement to maintain regional stability at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, on Thursday (7/5/2026). In his speech, Prabowo highlighted the impact of warfare in the Middle East region, which also affects life in Southeast Asia. He stressed that ASEAN must remain the anchor of regional stability amid rising global geopolitical dynamics. Prabowo stated that conflicts and geopolitical rivalries would only bring negative impacts to societies and hinder regional development. Therefore, he emphasised that ASEAN must continue to prioritise dialogue and cooperation as the main foundation of inter-state relations. “We must not allow competition. We must not allow our past to determine our present and future. Indonesia is determined to build good neighbourly policies,” Prabowo said. He invited all ASEAN countries to strengthen the regional culture of peace and cooperation amid increasing global challenges. According to him, ASEAN must be able to serve as an example of a stable, harmonious region that upholds world peace. “Amid deepening divisions, ASEAN’s culture of peace must not only be preserved but also advanced to become a global example. ASEAN must truly become a zone of peace,” Prabowo stated.