Indonesia Urges ASEAN to Put Sustainability at Core of Regional Economic Growth

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has called on Southeast Asian nations to strengthen sustainability as a central pillar of regional economic cooperation, stressing that future growth must be both environmentally responsible and socially inclusive.

Indonesian Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti underscored the message during the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat and Related Meetings in Manila, Philippines, held from March 11–13, 2026.

“We believe sustainability should be a key pillar in ASEAN’s economic integration,” she said in Jakarta, Monday, March 16, 2026, as quoted by Antara, adding that economic progress must go hand in hand with commitments to green transition, circular economy development, and carbon neutrality targets.

The three-day meeting discussed strategic agendas shaping ASEAN’s economic future, including resilience, digital transformation, and sustainability initiatives under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

Member states reviewed progress on frameworks such as the Framework for Circular Economy for the AEC, the ASEAN Strategy for Carbon Neutrality, and the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework.

According to Roro, these initiatives reflect ASEAN’s determination to ensure that regional economic transformation remains aligned with environmental priorities and resource sustainability.

“ASEAN has a major opportunity to become a hub for green economic growth. Stronger collaboration among member states is needed to accelerate green policy implementation, expand sustainable investment, and secure an inclusive energy transition,” she explained.

She further highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in advancing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green financing.

“We continue to encourage ASEAN to strengthen cooperation in clean energy development, sustainable financing, and blue economy utilization. With these steps, ASEAN can ensure that regional growth remains consistent with environmental preservation,” Roro added.

Through the forum, Roro reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to actively champion sustainability across ASEAN, ensuring that regional economic integration delivers benefits that are inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for all member states. ***