Indonesia Champions Strengthening ASEAN at 46th Summit
In an inspiring address at the recent plenary session of the 46th ASEAN Summit, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized a visionary roadmap for the future of the ASEAN community. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Community, he acknowledged the significant strides made in economic integration and social cooperation but urged member states to bolster the effectiveness of their institutions.
President Prabowo, who delivered his inaugural speech at an ASEAN Summit since taking office on October 20, 2024, stated, “We take pride in the progress achieved, yet there is a pressing need to enhance our execution efficiency.” His call to action aimed at granting more authority to ASEAN’s central administrative bodies and the Secretary-General, which he believes will enable the organization to address future challenges more effectively.
One of the highlights of his speech was the strong endorsement for Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, with President Prabowo expressing optimism that the nation would become a formal member within the year. Timor-Leste has been on this journey since applying for membership in 2011, gaining observer status in high-level meetings as recently as 2022. The potential inclusion of Papua New Guinea, which has indicated interest in joining ASEAN, reflects the organization’s growing influence and appeal in the region.
In his speech, President Prabowo noted the importance of a unified ASEAN stance in the context of global geopolitical uncertainties. He made a compelling argument, stating that “the stronger ASEAN is, the more weight our voice carries among major powers.” With a population comparable to that of the European Union, ASEAN is poised to be a key player on the world stage, emphasizing its rapid growth and the potential it holds in what is being termed the ‘Asian Century.’
This discourse comes at a crucial time. Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape has signaled intentions to join ASEAN, seeking to harness the economic advantages of Southeast Asia’s rising markets. Such movements reflect a broader, collective aspiration among nations in the region to establish strong collaborations that promise mutual growth and success.
As ASEAN continues to navigate the complexities of modern global dynamics, President Prabowo’s message serves as a reminder of the power of unity. Emphasizing that together, the ASEAN community can build a formidable presence in international affairs, his speech resonates with a hopeful vision for a united and prosperous Southeast Asia.
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