Indonesia Advocates for Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea at ASEAN Summit
KUALA LUMPUR — In an energizing display of regional solidarity, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made his debut at the 46th ASEAN Summit, where he passionately advocated for Timor-Leste’s accession as a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Spanning from May 27 to May 31, this pivotal summit has sparked invigorating discussions about the future of the Southeast Asian community.
During his inaugural address, President Prabowo expressed optimism that Timor-Leste—having applied for membership back in 2011—would secure full membership this year. The nation has shown promise, earning observer status at high-level meetings in 2022 and currently undergoing evaluation for full integration. This is a significant step forward for Timor-Leste as it seeks to strengthen its regional ties and benefit from the economic growth that ASEAN symbolizes.
Moreover, President Prabowo also welcomed Papua New Guinea’s expressed interest in joining ASEAN, indicating a positive shift towards deeper collaboration in the region. Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea, in a recent interview with the local daily The National, highlighted the desire for his country to align with Southeast Asia’s booming economy. He emphasized that membership in ASEAN could unlock new economic opportunities for the island nation, which is eyeing an official application expected in the next year.
At the summit’s plenary session, President Prabowo called for a more robust ASEAN framework, advocating for an empowered central body and secretary-general to address emerging challenges more effectively. “We commemorate 10 years of the ASEAN community and take pride in our progress in economic integration, growth, and social cooperation. However, we must act more decisively and efficiently amidst the shifting geopolitical landscape,” he asserted, underscoring that strength in unity could amplify ASEAN’s voice on the global stage.
President Prabowo further emphasized ASEAN’s considerable population, comparable to that of the European Union, and touted the region’s potential as one of the world’s fastest-growing economic entities. With many experts predicting this century could be the “Asian Century,” he urged member countries to recognize their collective strength.
The theme for this year’s summit, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” highlights Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring that all member states are considered in the region’s future direction. This marks Malaysia’s fifth time chairing ASEAN since its formation, demonstrating a lasting dedication to fostering unity and cooperation.
As ASEAN continues to evolve, the region remains a beacon of hope and collaboration. With leaders like President Prabowo at the helm, the future of Southeast Asia looks promising and inclusive.
Tags: #WorldNews, #Politics, #ASEAN, #Indonesia, #TimorLeste, #PapuaNewGuinea
