Indonesia Urges ASEAN Unity Amid Global Uncertainty

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is calling on ASEAN member states to strengthen solidarity in the face of mounting global challenges, including escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri emphasized the importance of collective action during the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat and Related Meetings 2026, held in Manila, the Philippines, from March 11–13. Speaking in Jakarta on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, she warned that rising geopolitical instability could disrupt global trade flows.

“The tensions could impact strategic trade routes, including the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz -- one of the world’s main energy distribution channels -- which in turn could affect supply chain stability and international trade values,” Dyah Roro explained, as quoted by Antara.

She urged ASEAN nations to reinforce cooperation and regional integration to safeguard economic resilience. Highlighting ASEAN’s strategic role in maintaining open trade systems, she stressed that unity and collaboration are key to sustaining growth.

“In the midst of geopolitical dynamics and geo-economic fragmentation, ASEAN must remain united and strengthen collaboration. Openness, integration, and regional cooperation are essential to stability and growth,” she said.

Dyah Roro also voiced support for the principle of “resilience without retreat” -- building economic strength without compromising commitments to open trade and integration.

She argued that ASEAN should focus on strengthening strategic sectors such as food security, energy, digital technology, and semiconductors. Rather than competing through incentives, she suggested countries share roles and collaborate to build stronger, more competitive regional supply chains.

Indonesia, she noted, is prepared to contribute to regional food and energy security under President Prabowo Subianto’s direction. With a surplus in rice production, Indonesia is exploring export opportunities to ASEAN neighbors.

“Indonesia currently has the capacity to contribute to regional food stability. We are exploring rice export opportunities to several ASEAN countries,” she said.

On energy, Dyah Roro emphasized Indonesia’s readiness to support ASEAN’s stability amid global uncertainty. “In unpredictable geopolitical conditions, ASEAN must ensure stable energy supplies. Indonesia has resources that can contribute to regional energy resilience,” she added.

She also encouraged ASEAN to expand partnerships with global players to reduce market concentration risks and strengthen its position in international trade. According to her, ASEAN has a vital role as an anchor of economic stability in the Indo-Pacific. ***