(AseanAll) — Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized Indonesia's commitment to promoting ASEAN as a peaceful, resilient, innovative, and people-oriented region. This was conveyed by Foreign Minister Sugiono, who represented Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the 58th ASEAN Anniversary (ASEAN Day) at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta on August 8, 2025.
Sugiono emphasized that this celebration is more than just a ceremony but a momentum to ensure that ASEAN Vision 2045 is truly realized. "Our people want impact, not just plans." Real results, not just declarations. ASEAN Vision 2045 must be fully implemented with strong commitment and political support," emphasized Sugiono.
Sugiono raised three points to ensure ASEAN remains relevant: enhancing institutional capacity to respond to crises, strengthening economic integration and digital transformation, and the capability to collectively address transnational threats such as human trafficking and climate change.
However, Sugiono emphasized that unity is the key to ASEAN's strength amid the current geopolitical rivalry. "Differences must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.
Sugiono also emphasized the need to maintain ASEAN's centrality as a main principle, strengthening its role as a connector and forum for dialog, with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) as a guide.
In the geopolitical context, Sugiono specifically highlighted the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza as one of the worst in the modern era. "ASEAN must not remain silent. We must speak with a moral voice: stop the violence, open humanitarian access, and achieve a just peace based on a two-state solution," concluded Sugiono.
In the momentum of the 58th anniversary of ASEAN, Sugiono also reiterated Indonesia's commitment to supporting the strengthening of ASEAN infrastructure, including through the revitalization of the ASEAN Heritage Building, the establishment of the ASEAN Museum and Library, and the development of the ASEAN Headquarters area as a center for diplomacy, culture, and ideas.
Closing his statement, Sugiono urged all member countries to uphold ASEAN values that prioritize dialog over confrontation, cooperation over competition, and unity over division.
"If not us, who else?" If not now, when? Indonesia will continue to walk together with ASEAN, with trust, purpose, and determination," concluded Sugiono.
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) was established on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok by five founding countries, including Indonesia, through the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. Indonesia became one of the main driving forces behind the formation of ASEAN and continues to play an important role in maintaining unity, promoting centrality, and facilitating regional dialog through the ASEAN Headquarters located in Jakarta since 1976. Currently, ASEAN consists of 10 member countries and is in the process of full membership for Timor-Leste, which will officially join at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
