Indonesia Invites Nagara ASEAN To Unite In Facing Geopolitical And Protectionism Challenges

President Prabowo Subianto. (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Indonesia invites ASEAN countries to strengthen regional unity and centrality in the face of geopolitical dynamics and the increasing trend of global protectionism.

The message was conveyed by the Minister of Trade Budi Santoso (Mendag Busan) while accompanying President Prabowo Subianto at the 47th ASEAN Summit (KTT) which took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 26 to 28 October 2025.

According to Budi, just by maintaining unity and strengthening economic cooperation, ASEAN can remain a stable and competitive region.

One of Indonesia's messages driven by the summit is the centrality and unity of ASEAN as the foundation for dealing with geopolitical conditions and protectionism. Indonesia also emphasizes the important role of ASEAN in ensuring the welfare of its people in facing various challenges," Budi said after the plenary session, quoted from an official statement, Monday, October 27.

Budi emphasized that ASEAN must be able to maintain regional stability as well as become a motor for economic growth amid global uncertainty.

"ASEAN needs to strengthen trade within the region, increase investment, and ensure that the benefits of economic integration are felt evenly by the community and business actors of all member countries," he said.

On the same occasion, the Minister of Trade Budi also emphasized Indonesia's commitment to strengthening inclusive and sustainable economic cooperation in the region.

Indonesia is committed to continuing to strengthen regional economic integration through inclusive, digital, and sustainable trade. ASEAN must ensure that every resulting policy and agreement brings tangible benefits to the welfare of its people," he said.

For your information, the Minister of Trade Budi together with the ranks of ministers, including Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Foreign Minister Sugiono, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and Investment Minister Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, were present at the 47th ASEAN Summit to accompany President Prabowo Subianto.

Selain sesi pleno, rombongan juga menghadiri KTT ASEAN–Amerika Serikat, KTT ASEAN–Jepang, dan KTT ASEAN–India.

KTT ke-47 ASEAN kali ini juga menjadi momen bersejarah dengan bergabungnya Timor Leste sebagai anggota penuh ASEAN. Penandatanganan deklarasi penerimaan dilakukan oleh seluruh Kepala Negara dan Kepala Pemerintahan ASEAN pada sesi pembukaan.

In addition to the plenary session, the group also attended the ASEAN Summit of the United States, the ASEAN Summit of Japan, and the ASEAN Summit ofIndia.

The ASEAN 47th Summit this time is also a historic moment with the joining of Timor Leste as a full member of ASEAN. The signing of the declaration of acceptance was carried out by all Heads of State and Heads of ASEAN Government in the opening session.