Revitalization Does Not Change the Basic Purpose of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), But Strengthens to Respond to Challenges

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono. (Okta/Infomed/Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono encourages the revitalization of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to be more responsive to the growing security threats, while adhering to the ASEAN Centrality.

Speaking at the 33rd ARF Meeting in Manila, Philippines, Thursday (23/7), Foreign Minister Sugiono reminded that the strategic environment of the region has changed significantly since the ARF was first held in 1994.

"Revitalization does not mean changing the fundamental purpose of the ARF. Revitalization means strengthening the devices owned by the ARF to be more modern and able to respond to the real challenges of the region," he said, launching the statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Friday (27/7).

Furthermore, Foreign Minister Sugiono in this meeting also underlined the importance of implementing the Manila Plan of Action adopted at this ARF meeting so that it can bring long-term benefits.

"This requires an ARF that is implementation-oriented, where all ARF work programs must be concrete partnerships," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

In addition, Indonesia also welcomes the decision of ASEAN to accept the United Kingdom as the 28th member of the ARF.

Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that expanding participation is an inseparable part of improving and strengthening the effectiveness of the forum.

Closing his statement, Foreign Minister Sugiono invited all ARF countries to develop towards preventive diplomacy.

According to him, preventive diplomacy is needed so that the ARF is able to help prevent tensions from developing into conflicts. The principles of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (Treaty of Amity and Cooperation/TAC) must remain a guide in this process.

"A more mature ARF will be able to form a more stable, peaceful and secure region, and contribute to world peace, including for the Palestinians," concluded Foreign Minister Sugiono.

It is known that the ARF meeting attended by 27 member countries consisting of key countries in various Regions produced the Manila Plan of Action which serves as a guideline for the work of the ARF for the period 2026-2036.