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Published: 15 July,2025 | Updated: 15 July,2025
Indonesian Foreign Minister Raises Issues on Myanmar and the South China Sea at the ASEAN Retreat Meeting

Kuala Lumpur, July 10 (AseanAll)  —  The ASEAN Foreign Ministers met again to discuss a number of regional issues of mutual concern at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM Retreat) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 9,2025.

Starting his statement, the Indonesian Foreign Minister reiterated the importance of maintaining ASEAN unity in facing increasingly complex regional dynamics and challenges. "ASEAN must reaffirm its role as the anchor of the regional order. The unity and centrality of ASEAN cannot be compromised," emphasized the Indonesian Foreign Minister.


The prolonged crisis in Myanmar remains a major concern. The Five-Point Consensus remains a common reference that reflects ASEAN's collective commitment to supporting the resolution of the crisis in Myanmar. "The immediate cessation of violence and the delivery of humanitarian aid must occur," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister also highlighted the threat of transnational crime in the Southeast Asian region, particularly the increasing cases of online scams that trigger related crimes, such as human trafficking and drug trafficking.

This meeting also welcomed progress in the negotiations of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), in line with the mandate of ASEAN Foreign Ministers in 2023 through the Guidelines for Accelerating the Early Conclusion of an Effective and Substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

"ASEAN needs to maintain its commitment to a substantive and effective COC resolution, which is expected to help maintain maritime stability in the South China Sea," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

Amid the geopolitical uncertainty marked by crises and escalating conflicts in various parts of the world, the Indonesian Foreign Minister also emphasized the importance of ASEAN's preparedness in protecting its citizens in conflict areas. In such situations, the importance of implementing the agreed-upon instruments and frameworks was reiterated, namely through the Guidelines for the Provision of Emergency Assistance by ASEAN Missions in Third Countries to Nationals of ASEAN Member Countries in Crisis Situations.

ASEAN has a collective responsibility to ensure the region remains resilient, cohesive, and proactive in shaping a peaceful and stable regional architecture.