Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs: ASEAN's Ability to Maintain Unity, Strengthen Resilience and Protect its Society is in Its Own Hands

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono during the 59th AMM Retreat Session in Manila, Philippines (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono encourages ASEAN to strengthen resilience and mutual preparedness in facing global situations, emphasizing ASEAN's ability to maintain unity, strengthen resilience and protect its people in its own hands.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia said this during the 59th Meeting of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) Retreat Session in Manila, Philippines, on Tuesday (21/7). In this session, the main diplomats of each ASEAN country exchanged views on global developments and a number of strategic regional issues, including the situation in Myanmar and the South China Sea.

"Developments outside the region are increasingly bringing direct consequences for the lives of our people. Therefore, ASEAN must be increasingly ready and able to respond together," said Foreign Minister Sugiono in the meeting.

In this retreat session, Indonesia encourages ASEAN to translate various commitments into coordination and concrete steps, especially in strengthening food and energy security, maintaining the smooth supply chain, and increasing the region's readiness to face various forms of disruption.

Overall, this meeting discussed regional and international developments as well as ASEAN's collective steps in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Regarding the situation in Myanmar, Indonesia reiterated the importance of ASEAN to continue to be involved and encourage an inclusive process in accordance with the Five-Point Consensus (5PC).

Foreign Minister Sugiono underlined the importance of maintaining ASEAN unity and resolving various regional challenges through dialogue, constructive engagement, and peaceful means.

"The turmoil around us may be beyond our control. However, ASEAN's ability to maintain unity, strengthen resilience, and protect the interests of the people in the region is in our own hands," he concluded.

It is known that the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, is currently in Manila, Philippines, to attend the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Post-Ministerial Conferences, and Related Meetings (AMM/PMC ke-59) which was held on July 20-24, 2026. This meeting brings together ASEAN Foreign Ministers and external partners to discuss the development of the ASEAN Community, external relations, and various regional and global issues.

The AMM Retreat meeting is part of the 59th AMM/PMC series under the ASEAN Chairmanship of the Philippines with the theme "Navigating Our Future, Together."