On the occasion of the 59th Anniversary of ASEAN, Foreign Minister Sugiono highlighted the importance of food and energy security.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono. (Source: Instagram @sugiono_56)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (Menlu RI), Sugiono, emphasized the crucial importance of strengthening resilience in the Southeast Asian region through food and energy security. This effort is considered a tangible step to protect the people of the region during a crisis.

"Building true resilience in food and energy security means protecting our citizens whenever a crisis occurs," said Sugiono in his remarks at the 59th ASEAN Day celebration at the ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta, Saturday (8/8/2026).

Sugiono revealed that the people of ASEAN - from farmers, workers, youth, to migrant workers - do not measure the success of this regional organization from the number of agreements signed.

On the other hand, success is felt directly through the ability of leaders to ensure the availability of food, open access to decent work, provide a sense of security, and provide certainty for the future.

Preparation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Empowerment of Youth

To respond to future challenges, the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs encourages institutional strengthening in the ASEAN body. This includes providing young generations with education, skills, and confidence to lead the region to a new phase.

He emphasized that ASEAN must be supported by solid institutions, greater capacity, and adequate resources to realize the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

"Next year, ASEAN will be 60 years old. We continue to believe in ASEAN because this institution represents something that is increasingly rare and valuable in today's world," said Sugiono. According to him, in the midst of differences, ASEAN has consistently chosen the path of peace over conflict and prioritizes dialogue over coercion.

Maintain Neutrality and Bridge Global Turbulence

Facing the fluctuating global political dynamics, Foreign Minister Sugiono reminded ASEAN's historical role for almost six decades as a bridge builder. ASEAN is required to actively reduce tensions, foster mutual trust, and keep the dialogue space open.

"Our greatest strength lies in our ability to bring countries, both large and small with diverse interests, to the same table. Not to erase differences, but to manage them through dialogue and mutual respect," he explained.

These values are maintained through the principles of non-intervention and peaceful settlement of disputes enshrined in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) - an agreement that is now 50 years old.

Closing his statement, Sugiono emphasized ASEAN's neutrality commitment not to become a competition arena for the world's major powers.

"ASEAN will not take sides with anyone, because we will always side with the people, their welfare, their security, and their future," said the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs.