TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono stressed the importance of ASEAN's collective and strategic steps to remain relevant amidst the increasingly complex global dynamics. This call was made during the plenary session of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
"We are currently at a very crucial point. Geopolitical rivalries and global protectionism trends continue to increase and risk eroding the unity and relevance of the region. Geopolitical and geoeconomic affairs can no longer be separated. If ASEAN wants to remain relevant, it must be able to confront all of this," said Sugiono, as quoted from a press release received by Tempo.
ASEAN as a Bright Spot for Investment
Sugiono emphasized the findings of the UNCTAD 2024, which showed a decline in global investment in various strategic sectors.
Nevertheless, the ASEAN region recorded positive growth with a 10 percent increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
"This shows the continued confidence of investors. ASEAN must remain an anchor of stability and a magnet for sustainable investment," he said.
Indonesia also expressed full support for the ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force in formulating strategic policies to be discussed at the head of state level.
"We need to turn vision into tangible actions that strengthen ASEAN's centrality and shape a stable regional architecture," said Sugiono. He added that the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 should be a priority.
Support for Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea
In the same speech, Sugiono reiterated Indonesia's support for Timor-Leste's full membership process in ASEAN. "The decision has been made at the leadership level. Now is the time to realize it," he said.
Indonesia is said to have implemented various capacity-building programs to assist the country's preparation.
Sugiono also brought up President Prabowo Subianto's proposal at the 46th ASEAN Summit regarding enhancing partnership with Papua New Guinea (PNG). "As an ASEAN observer since 1976, PNG has a close strategic and cultural affinity with the region," he continued.
Revitalization of the Regional Treaty
Sugiono also highlighted the importance of revitalizing the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). "TAC must remain relevant to the challenges of the times, including by strengthening the preventive diplomacy function of TAC," he said.
This AMM meeting was attended by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers, Timor-Leste, and the ASEAN Secretary-General. The Myanmar delegation was present through a non-political representative.
The meeting resulted in five important documents, including (1) ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Decision to Enhance ASEAN's Relations with External Parties; (2) Joint Communique of the 58th AMM; (3) AICHR Five Year Work Plan 2026-2030; (4) AICHR Priority Programs 2026; and (5) AICHR Annual Report 2025.
One of the main outcomes is the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Decision to Enhance ASEAN's Relations with External Parties, which is an initiative of Indonesia. This decision aims to make ASEAN more proactive in forming partnerships.
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