Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono Emphasizes that Regional Peace is not Created by Itself, it Must be Safeguarded and Pursued Together

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono attending the ASEAN-Australia Foreign Ministers Meeting in Manila. (Okta/Infomed/Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono encourages Indonesia-Australia cooperation to continue to adapt to global dynamics, emphasizing that regional peace is not created by itself, it must be maintained and sought together.

This was said by Foreign Minister Sugiono when he led the ASEAN-Australia Foreign Ministers Meeting with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, in Manila, Philippines, Wednesday.

The meeting emphasized the importance of the partnership of the two parties in maintaining peace, strengthening economic resilience, and facing changes in the strategic environment of the region.

As the Coordinating State of the ASEAN-Australia Partnership, Indonesia assesses that the relationship between the two parties has developed into one of the most productive partnerships in the region. Concrete cooperation continues to be strengthened, including in maritime security, trade, investment, and people-to-people relations.

"This is a real form of partnership: not just a commitment, but a concrete program that benefits the region," said Foreign Minister Sugiono, launching the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' statement, Thursday (23/7).

Furthermore, entering the fifth year of the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Foreign Minister Sugiono encouraged that the cooperation of the two parties continues to adapt to the increasingly complex geopolitical dynamics, pressure on the food and energy systems, as well as digital threats and transnational crimes.

2026 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (Treaty of Amity and Cooperation/TAC). Indonesia emphasizes that the principles of peaceful settlement of disputes, mutual respect, and restraint remain the foundation of strategic trust in the region.

"Peace in the region is not created by itself. Peace must continue to be maintained, and sought together," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

Meanwhile, in the economic field, Australia's trade with ASEAN in 2025 reached 97.28 billion US dollars, while Australia's direct investment flow to ASEAN was recorded at 1.6 billion US dollars. Foreign Minister Sugiono assessed that the magnitude of trade needed to be balanced with investments that build long-term economic capacity.

"Trade reflects the strength of the economy today. Investment builds the strength of the future economy. The two must go hand in hand," he said.

Indonesia encourages the implementation of Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 through the development of projects in the critical mineral sector, clean energy, and digital infrastructure. "ASEAN is not just a market for Australia. ASEAN must be a partner in building the industries of the future," continued Foreign Minister Sugiono.

In the meeting, Foreign Minister Sugiono also emphasized the importance of strengthening food, energy, and supply chain resilience. According to him, disruptions to shipping routes and food production failures will have a direct impact on people in the region.

Meanwhile, in the field of politics and security, Indonesia calls for strengthening conflict prevention and crisis management through ASEAN mechanisms. The development of the architecture and arrangement of regional security must continue to uphold ASEAN transparency, inclusiveness and centrality.