Defense Minister Prabowo Optimistic ASEAN Has Peace Care Strength

JAKARTA - Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto is optimistic that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has the power to maintain peace in the region.

Prabowo explained that this belief exists because countries that are members of the ASEAN-Plus have the same interest in keeping the region stable and not protracted in conflict.

"I am confident and optimistic that ASEAN's strength can create peace. The key to the prosperity of a nation is cooperation and ability to maintain peace," Prabowo said when receiving a delegation of senior officials from the Ministry of Defense of ASEAN Countries (ADSOM) and partner countries (ADSOM-Plus) reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, August 3.

In addition to senior defense officials from 10 ASEAN countries, at the meeting there were also representatives from eight partner countries, namely Australia, the United States, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Russia.

The visit of the delegates to meet Defense Minister Prabowo was a series of activities of the defense officials during the ADOSOM and ADOSOM-Plus meetings in Jakarta.

The results of the meeting of the senior officials which will be discussed again and agreed upon during the ASEAN defense ministerial meeting, namely the 17th ADMM and 10th ADMM-Plus in Jakarta in November 2023.

"I really appreciate your presence and support for this activity. ADOSOM and ADOSOM-Plus are being held to prepare the 17th ADMM and 10th ADMM-Plus that have been scheduled," Prabowo told the delegates.

The meeting at the ministerial level of the defense sector of ASEAN and ASEAN-Plus will be opened and chaired directly by the Indonesian Minister of Defense considering that Indonesia this year holds the chairmanship of ASEAN.

The series of ADOM and ADOSOM-Plus meetings took place in Jakarta, Wednesday, led by the Secretary General of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense Marshal Madya TNI Donny Ermawan Taufanto.

"I am very happy and honored to lead this year's ADOSOM activity. In line with Indonesia's role as Chair of the ASEAN 2023 Defense Minister Meeting with the theme 'Peace, Prosperity and Security'. I would like to reaffirm Indonesia's commitment to promoting peace and security in the region and its surroundings. This theme also reflects our shared commitment to promoting stability and prosperity throughout the region, "said Donny

He explained that the meeting showed ASEAN supported the agreed cooperation at the ASEAN Defense Senior Officials Meeting Working Group (ADSOM WG) meeting.

"I am optimistic that by working together and placing ASEAN unity as a top priority, we can put aside differences while maintaining the national interests of each country. Thus, we will be better prepared to face the challenges ahead," he said.