Seeking a New Direction for ASEAN
Amidst intensifying geopolitical rivalry, widespread humanitarian crises, and faltering multilateral institutions, the Southeast Asian region is also held hostage by various crises. These range from the Myanmar crisis, tensions in the South China Sea, and threats to economic stability and non-traditional security, to the recent Thailand-Cambodia border conflict, which adds to the long list of problems in the region. These increasingly complex challenges have tested ASEAN’s capacity to maintain stability, solidarity, and its centrality amidst global changes.
As the largest country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia bears a historical and strategic responsibility to seek solutions to these problems. Amidst the stagnation of ASEAN’s role, a critical question arises about how Indonesia should lead when ASEAN needs direction. In the face of a lack of collective will to act on behalf of regional interests, Indonesian leadership is no longer a choice, but a necessity.
Ujian Krisis Internal : Perlunya Peran Lokomotif
The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar is the clearest reflection of ASEAN’s weak leadership. Following the 2021 military coup, thousands of civilians have become victims, and the exodus of refugees continues. Meanwhile, the Five-Point Consensus mechanism designed by ASEAN to resolve the crisis is stagnant, lacking effective sanctions and pressure mechanisms.
Indonesia has indeed played an important role in addressing the Myanmar humanitarian crisis. By leading the formulation of the Five-Point Consensus and spearheading intensive diplomacy with a cautious approach, Indonesia has been at the forefront of resolving the issue in Myanmar.
Although various diplomatic efforts have been undertaken, they have yet to yield concrete solutions. Mediation attempts often end in meetings without real follow-up. This signals the limitations of an approach focused on the principle of caution, a strategy long upheld within ASEAN.
Beyond the Myanmar issue, ASEAN has also been hit by the re-emergence of the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict in mid-2025. This conflict serves as a reminder of the region’s fragile solidarity. The issue underscores a violation of the rules of engagement in fostering relations between ASEAN member states, which emphasise the necessity of using peaceful means in dispute resolution, as stipulated in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC).
The unresolved internal issues within ASEAN indicate the absence of an effective mechanism for conflict resolution among its members. ASEAN should be able to mobilise its leadership to act as an active mediator in conflicts faced by its members.
In the Myanmar crisis, Indonesia must be able to lead a bold consensus, pressure the junta with more concrete measures, and push for reform of ASEAN’s crisis management mechanisms. Indonesia must act as a locomotive, determining the direction, speed, and courage to break through obstacles, rather than merely ensuring everyone stays on track.
Konflik Laut Cina Selatan: Saatnya Mengambil Sikap Tegas
On the other hand, tensions in the South China Sea continue to escalate. The presence of Chinese militia vessels, the construction of military bases, and aggressive patrols threaten regional stability and risk fracturing ASEAN’s common position. Although Indonesia does not have a direct claim over the disputed territories, China’s increasingly aggressive activities within Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) have threatened national interests.
Instead of leading the strengthening of a solid and cohesive ASEAN position, Indonesia often opts for a bilateral approach and avoids taking a firm stance against China. Indonesia’s response to these tensions appears overly cautious and even hesitant. Yet, on an issue of this magnitude, ASEAN’s strength lies in its collective position, not in individual or bilateral steps.
As the largest country, Indonesia must play a crucial role in unifying ASEAN’s stance. Indonesia should initiate the consolidation of a cohesive and courageous ASEAN position. Unifying the voices of member states will strengthen ASEAN’s bargaining power in facing pressure from major powers like China.
Tantangan Keamanan Non-Tradisional: Perlunya Solusi Terkoordinasi
Beyond political and security conflicts, ASEAN faces non-traditional issues such as climate change, cybersecurity, energy crises, and supply chain disruptions. These are complex issues that cannot be resolved partially.
In facing political and humanitarian crises, ASEAN requires a mechanism like a “Rapid Response Force” that can work effectively. ASEAN has actually pursued such a mechanism through institutions, networks, and regional emergency response protocols. However, the implementation of these institutions is more focused on natural disasters and health responses. In the political and humanitarian fields, implementation remains weak and the response is still limited.
Therefore, Indonesia should push for the strengthening of ASEAN’s institutional capacity through the reform of more responsive decision-making mechanisms. Indonesia could propose the establishment of a flexible and adaptive regional task force.
Indonesia could also establish an ASEAN Non-Traditional Security Cooperation Centre to serve as a hub for coordination, research, and training in areas such as climate change, food security, and transnational crime. This institution is expected to strengthen existing bodies, which have been working sectorally and with a lack of coordination across various issues.
Menjawab Tantangan: Mereformasi Prinsip dan Lembaga
So far, ASEAN has adhered firmly to the principles of non-intervention and consensus. As existing issues become more complex, these two principles often become obstacles. Therefore, Indonesia must dare to reform these principles.