Indonesia pushes ASEAN to deliver tangible benefits and boost regional stability

At the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila (July 20‑24), Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono urged the bloc to prove its credibility by ensuring development that brings tangible benefits to citizens and by preserving regional peace. He called for the swift adoption of an effective, substantive South China Sea code of conduct grounded in international law. Sugiono also proposed establishing a forum of ASEAN consular affairs chiefs to better protect citizens abroad during conflicts and emergencies. The minister emphasized the need for needs‑based cooperation with external partners on crisis response, food and energy security, and resilient supply chains, and urged stronger ASEAN institutions and resources to achieve the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 ahead of the organization’s 60th anniversary in 2027. The Manila meeting adopted a joint communiqué, a statement on the Middle East, and accepted Turkey as the newest ASEAN dialogue partner.