9-8-2023 (BANGKOK) The imperative for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to fortify its preparedness in tackling future uncertainties and disruptions was underscored by Rachmat Budiman, the Indonesian ambassador to Thailand. Speaking at a forum convened by C Asean in Bangkok on Tuesday, marking the 56th anniversary of Asean’s establishment, Budiman highlighted the need for Asean to bolster its position and relevance in the face of evolving challenges.
With Indonesia holding the mantle of Asean chairman for 2023 and set to host the 2023 Asean summit, this year’s chosen theme is “Asean Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.” Budiman emphasized that this thematic choice encapsulates Indonesia’s vision and priorities for the year, encompassing “Asean Matters,” “Epicentrum of Growth,” and the Asean Outlook for the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
Budiman stressed, “Asean does matter, so we would like to see Asean strengthen its position, which would highlight the bloc’s importance to people both within and beyond the region.”
He further elaborated on the necessity to cultivate adaptability and responsiveness in the face of ongoing uncertainties, referencing recent disruptive forces such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the unfolding impacts of climate change, and the accelerating digitization of businesses.
As part of Indonesia’s advocacy, Budiman announced the nation’s intention to institutionalize informal dialogues pertaining to human rights. The goal is to foster enhanced cooperation among Asean member states in combatting rights abuses, particularly in areas such as torture and human trafficking.
In the pursuit of establishing itself as an epicenter of growth, Budiman underscored the significance of Asean member nations collaborating to enhance food and energy security. Additionally, harmonizing financial and regulatory standards across the region would be instrumental in realizing this goal.
Addressing the Asean Outlook for the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), Budiman emphasized the ongoing efforts to mainstream the protocol. This initiative seeks to ensure that Asean’s partners within the region and beyond comprehend Asean’s comprehensive vision for maritime and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, while also acknowledging the bloc’s economic aspirations and objectives.
Polapatr Suvarnazorn, Vice Chairman of C Asean, the organizing body behind the forum, expressed the forum’s significance in his opening remarks. Celebrating Asean’s 56th anniversary at the very location of its inception speaks volumes about the success of the regional gathering. Reflecting on the journey of the past 56 years, Suvarnazorn noted Asean’s unwavering commitment to forging a peaceful, stable, and resilient community. Despite enduring ongoing uncertainties and challenges, Asean remains steadfast in preserving its unity and cohesiveness as a unified community.
As Asean continues to navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape and global shifts, the collective determination to reinforce its role and relevance in the international arena remains at the forefront of the bloc’s agenda.
