3-8-2023 (JAKARTA) Indonesian Minister of Defence, Prabowo Subianto, expressed optimism about the strength of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in maintaining peace in the region.
Prabowo stated that his confidence stems from the fact that ASEAN-Plus member countries share a common interest in ensuring regional stability and avoiding prolonged conflicts.
“I am convinced and optimistic that ASEAN’s strength can create peace. The key to a nation’s prosperity lies in cooperation and the ability to preserve peace,” said Prabowo during a meeting with delegations of senior officials from ASEAN countries (ADSOM) and partner countries (ADSOM-Plus) at the Indonesian Ministry of Defence in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The meeting brought together senior defence officials from the 10 ASEAN member states and representatives from eight partner countries, including Australia, the United States, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Russia.
The visit by the delegations to the Indonesian Minister of Defence is part of their activities during the ADSOM and ADSOM-Plus meetings in Jakarta.
The outcomes of the discussions among senior officials will be further deliberated and agreed upon during the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) 17th session and ADMM-Plus 10th session in Jakarta in November 2023.
“I highly appreciate your presence and support for this event. ADSOM and ADSOM-Plus are held to prepare for the scheduled ADMM 17th and ADMM-Plus 10th sessions,” Prabowo said to the delegations.
Given that Indonesia currently holds the ASEAN chairmanship, the meetings of the ASEAN and ASEAN-Plus defence ministers will be opened and led directly by the Indonesian Minister of Defence.
The ADSOM and ADSOM-Plus meetings, which took place in Jakarta on Wednesday, were chaired by the Secretary-General of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, Air Marshal TNI Donny Ermawan Taufanto.
“I am delighted and honoured to lead this year’s ADSOM activities. In line with Indonesia’s role as the Chair of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting 2023 with the theme ‘Peace, Prosperity, and Security,’ I want to reaffirm Indonesia’s commitment to promoting peace and security in the region and beyond. This theme also reflects our collective commitment to fostering stability and prosperity across the region,” Donny stated.
He further explained that the meeting showcased ASEAN’s support for the cooperation agreed upon during the ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting Working Group (ADSOM WG).
“I am optimistic that by working together and prioritizing ASEAN’s unity, we can set aside our differences while safeguarding the national interests of each country. In doing so, we will be better prepared to face future challenges,” he added.
