Indonesia urges stronger ASEAN action as it prepares for 2028 leadership role
New Indonesian foreign minister Arrmanatha called for a more effective ASEAN to boost regional stability and economic growth ahead of the bloc's 60th anniversary.
During his inaugural address at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta, Arrmanatha reaffirmed that ASEAN has been the cornerstone of Indonesia's diplomatic strategy for nearly six decades and will continue to be so. He emphasized the need for the association to produce concrete strategic outcomes, build trust, and directly improve citizens' lives across Southeast Asia. To that end, Indonesia will push for a broader ASEAN Regional Forum to foster confidence-building and will keep leveraging mechanisms like ASEAN Plus Three, the East Asia Summit, and dialogue-partner ties.
The minister noted the significance of Indonesia potentially assuming the ASEAN Secretary-General role in 2028, viewing it as an opportunity to shape future collaboration. Beyond regional matters, Arrmanatha pledged to champion developing-nation interests in forums such as the G20, BRICS, MIKTA, OIC and D-8, while strengthening national resilience for global peace.
Why it matters
Indonesia's push for a stronger ASEAN could reshape security and economic cooperation in Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.
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