58 Years Of ASEAN, Foreign Minister Sugiono: We Survive Because We Choose Dialogue, Cooperation And Unity

Celebration of the 58th ASEAN Day. (Refi/Infomed/Kemlu RI)

JAKARTA - ASEAN has been able to survive so far until he is 58 years old because he chose to have dialogue, cooperation and unity, said Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, stressing that there is no perfect organization.

This was said by Foreign Minister Sugiono during the 58th ASEAN Day celebration at the ASEAN Headquarters, Jakarta on Friday.

According to Foreign Minister Sugiono, the 58th anniversary is what ASEAN's momentum is to be built for the future.

"I think our collective aspiration is that ASEAN will continue to lead in building peaceful, resilient, innovative, and people-centered areas, areas that develop through joint unity and responsibility," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister, Friday, August 8.

Foreign Minister Sugiono recalled that ASEAN, which was founded on August 8, 1967 by five countries, Indonesia; Malaysia; Singapore; Thailand; The Philippines, which has diplomacy amid the tensions of the Cold War, signed the ASEAN Declaration in Bangkok.

ASEAN was not born in normal conditions, but in ideal conditions. However, ASEAN persists. From that simple start, ASEAN has become a family of ten countries, and will soon become eleven countries with the joining of Timor-Leste," explained the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

"ASEAN is indeed a center of regional integration, supply chain, and dialogue, and is truly a stable force in the increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region," he added, saying ASEAN has a population of more than 675 million people and a combined GDP of nearly $4 trillion, making it the fifth largest economy in the world.

"However, the mere measure means nothing if we don't unite. If we don't think strategically," he said.

Not denying the differences between ASEAN countries, the Indonesian Foreign Minister reminded again to resolve all differences towards diplomacy and dialogue, as well as to avoid escalation of tensions.

In the midst of increasingly fierce competition, global economic fragmentation and weakening of international law, the Indonesian Foreign Minister invites to strengthen the determination that ASEAN remains neutral and credible, instead of being ruled out and divided.

"Our strength lies in our independence and credibility as actors who are neutral, inclusive, and consistent in this area," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

"This means that maintaining ASEAN centrality is not just a slogan, but as a principle for all of us. We must be the organizers, bridge builders, trusted platforms for dialogue and cooperation, and ASEAN's View of the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) will remain our guide compass," he said.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister said that the core principles of the Friendship and Cooperation Agreement, which include resolving disputes in a peaceful, non-interventional, and mutual respect, must be enforced without compromise. Maintaining peace and stability in the region, including in the South China Sea, must also remain a common priority.

"And in this context, Indonesia calls for an immediate completion of the Code of Ethics to encourage constructive engagement, in accordance with international law, especially UNCLOS 1982," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

"Let us recall what has supported ASEAN for decades. ASEAN is indeed not perfect. No community, no perfect organization. But we survive, because we choose: dialogue rather than confrontation; cooperation over competition; and unity over division," explained the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

"And in commemoration of the 58th anniversary of ASEAN, let's update our promise: to build an area where peace is maintained, prosperity is divided, and dignity is upheld," he continued.

"If not us, then who? If not now, then when? And Indonesia will continue this journey with all of you. With trust; with the aim; and with determination," concluded the Indonesian Foreign Minister.