Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs: ASEAN's Success Will Be Measured by Its Ability to Help Society Meet Needs

JAKARTA - The success of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be measured by its ability to help people meet their needs, said Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono.

Speaking at the 59th ASEAN Day held at the ASEAN Headquarters, Jakarta, Saturday (8/8), Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that the organization must continue to ensure that regional cooperation brings tangible benefits to its people.

"The success of ASEAN will be measured by its ability to help people meet the needs of their families, find decent jobs, live safely, and look to the future with confidence," said Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, launching the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For this reason, ASEAN needs to continue to strengthen its capacity in protecting the public from the impact of various global dynamics and crises. These efforts, among others, include strengthening food and energy security, protecting citizens when a crisis occurs, and preparing the younger generation through education, skills, and confidence to lead ASEAN in the future.

This also means that ASEAN should not be an arena of rivalry between major powers or siding with one of them.

ASEAN must always stand by its people for their welfare, security, and future.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono then emphasized that ASEAN has an important modality in navigating the increasingly complex world situation.

Since its establishment in 1967, ASEAN has been able to face various competitions and crises in the region without being separated from its main principle, namely advancing unity, peace, and dialogue.

Almost six decades later, the architecture of the region built by ASEAN not only stands but also continues to grow and adapt. In the process, the centrality of ASEAN is increasingly gaining trust as an anchor in promoting regional peace and stability.

"Today's world needs bridge-builders who are able to ease tensions, build trust, and keep the dialogue going. This is the role that ASEAN has played for almost six decades," emphasized Foreign Minister Sugiono.

In the future, Foreign Minister Sugiono said ASEAN must be able to determine its own direction, while strengthening the institutions, capacities, and resources needed to realize the aspirations of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

The 59th anniversary of ASEAN Day is a historic moment because it is the first time that eleven Member States have attended after the entry of Timor-Leste in November 2025. This event was attended by ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and the diplomatic community of ASEAN Member States in Jakarta as well as representatives from various diplomatic missions in Jakarta.